Ireland should take the lead in persuading developed countries to make the promise of a basic education for all the world's children a reality, according to the Irish Coalition for Global Campaign for Education.
Speaking on International's Children's Day, Mr David Joyce, spokesperson for the Irish Coalition, said that 105 million children have no access to even basic education: "This is despite the fact that basic education for children in developing countries is known to have significant benefits for families, communities, countries and the entire world".
In April, 2000, 22 rich countries, including Ireland, adopted an International Education for All Programme to provide access to education for every child in the World by 2015.
"The Irish Government must urge its counterparts in the developed world to provide the US$5.6 billion needed to achieve universal basic education. Without this the international Education for All goal agreed by the world leaders four years ago cannot be met".
Mr. Joyce said that in addition to the 105 million children with no access to education, a further 150 million drop out of school at primary level. Most of these children will grow up and join the 860 million illerate
adults - the majority of whom are girls and women. Mr. Joyce concluded by saying "the first target of the International Community was for gender equality in education by 2005, this goal is no where near being met."
The members of the Irish Coalition for Global Campaign for Education include ActionAid International Ireland, ASTI, TUI, Concern and GOAL.