Last year, the United Nations convened to agree on the most important global development initiative to focus on until 2030, launching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals are accompanied by hundreds of targets and indicators; as such, with many organizations implementing the SDGs into their work, it is crucial that the data collection process be thorough and accurate, to track and measure impact, specifically around girls and women.

The International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity (The Education Commission) recently launched its report on education financing at the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly. In its report, “The Learning Generation: Investing in Education for a Changing World,” The Education Commission’s vision is strikingly bold, outlining fundamentals that are razor sharp, focusing on four transformations: performance, innovation, sources of financing and inclusion.

This week, the Guardian posted a fantastic article written by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, urging those responsible for guiding the negotiations of the proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), not to underestimate the importance of continual investment in rural development.

The month of December brings about many exciting times. For some it’s the start of the holiday season, gearing up for multiple gatherings with family and friends, and basking in the spirit of giving. Others look to December as a time to reflect on the accomplishments of another year gone too quickly and start to focus on what new beginnings will come in January.

The IDP Foundation, Inc. is committed to collecting data from the low-cost private schools participating in the IDP Rising Schools Program and welcomes the contribution of additional research that highlights the important role this sector plays in providing Education For All.

During the three-year pilot phase that included 120 low-fee private schools that were initially scouted, we commissioned an independent evaluation by the Educational Assessment and Research Centre (EARC), a local research firm with extensive experience in conducting analytical research activities. The goal of the study was to assess any significant changes the participating schools experienced. The study was completed through quantitative and qualitative surveys, including focus groups consisting of proprietors, parents and teachers.