FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 16, 2016

Contact: Ashley Wilson, 202.765.2248; awilson@gce-us.org

THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION-US ISSUES A CALL TO ACTION TO NEW ADMINISTRATION AND POLICYMAKERS ON GLOBAL EDUCATION

Washington, D.C.---Today, the Global Campaign for Education-US (GCE-US) released a call to action highlighting the critical role that education plays in U.S. foreign policy efforts (http://bit.ly/2gCh6FI). In this document, members of the international development, humanitarian and education communities make the case for the power of education and encourage its inclusion in the new administration’s and Congressional global development priorities.

“Education builds futures—it creates stronger economies, healthier communities and productive families,” said Jennifer Rigg, GCE-US Executive Director. “The unity of seventy organizations and advocates—including youth—is a fantastic showing of how important the inclusion of education in the next administration’s development priorities can be. It has the ability to be a dynamic catalyst for growth and global stability, which benefits all U.S. and global citizens.”

From the Call to Action:

“Investing in education is not only the right thing to do, it is also a smart use of U.S. resources. Through robust support for global education, we can reduce poverty, enhance security and stability, and promote effective, sustainable development around the globe. For every $1 spent on education, as much as $15 can be generated in economic growth. Each additional year of formal schooling for boys and young men reduces their risk of becoming involved in conflict by 20 percent. Education for girls is particularly important; children born to educated mothers are half as likely to be malnourished and twice as likely to be immunized against disease. Improving the educational achievement and economic opportunities of girls and boys around the world can help to stabilize societies and ensure global security.”

The Call to Action with organizational and individual signatures is available at http://bit.ly/2gCh6FI (an updated version as of 12/2016 is available here: http://bit.ly/2hg8ZNG)

For questions please contact Ashley Wilson at awilson@gce-us.org or at 202.765.2268.

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The Global Campaign for Education, U.S. (GCE-US), 501(c)3, is a broad-based coalition of U.S. organizations including non-profit organizations, teachers’ unions, foundations, faith-based groups, and think tanks dedicated to ensuring universal quality education.