Equivalency programmes (EPs) refers to alternative education programmes that are equivalent to the formal education system in terms of curriculum and certification, policy support mechanisms, mode of delivery, staff training, and other support activities such as monitoring, evaluation and assessment. The development of EPs is potentially an…

This monograph contains 14 papers on the role of higher education in the developing world stimulated by discussion of that issue in "Higher Education: The Lessons of Experience" (World Bank, 1994). The first two papers offer background on the World Bank paper: "World Bank Traditions of Support to Higher Education and…

Data analyzed in this study are drawn from varied sources including documents provided by governments in the context of the World Bank's operational activity. The data on a basic set of indicators were assembled for a core of 11 Asian countries (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Sri…

Education is a key element in Zambia's national development; distance education is particularly suitable as a means of human resource development. The main purposes of distance education are to provide education for the unserved, predominantly rural indigenous population; provide second-chance education for dropouts; raise the educational level of…

In September 1984, the Chinese government asked the Economic Development Institute of the World Bank to assist the officials of the Chinese Ministry of Education in thinking through some policy options for examinations and standardized testing. This document summarizes the descriptions of testing programs and advice provided to these Chinese…

A study examined the nature and extent of women's participation in adult and nonformal education in third world areas. During the study, female coordinators of adult and nonformal educational programs for women in the Arab states, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and the South Pacific collected information on such…

Twelve papers from the Inter-American Development Bank's second seminar on educational finance in Latin America and the Caribbean analyze and present statistical data in two broad areas. First, they examine the relationships among Latin America's expanding educational programs, their costs and financing, and each country's socioeconomic…

Important issues in African education involve the effects of the colonial education system on African subjects and their countries' political and socio-economic development. Of interest are some countries' efforts to correct dysfunctions resulting from the colonial system. Following independence, the state of education in many African countries in…

Agency for International Development (AID) education and training assistance to developing countries is herein reviewed by the General Accounting Office (GAO), with particular attention paid to the changes in emphasis since the 1973 New Directions Mandate by Congress and to the nature of recurring problems in improving education of the poor. One…

Shortly after Mali gained its independence in 1962, the Ministry of Education in Mali undertook a program of educational reform. Although some educational improvements were made, there are still many unmet needs. In October 1976, a new educational policy was adopted by the government. Educational needs identified include: (1) a close link between…

Since independence from Britain in 1964, the Ministry of Education of Malawi has concentrated on developing a skilled and educated citizenry and on expanding agricultural and technical training. Secondary education was expanded and diversified during the 1960's, a university was established, and a correspondence school was set up to serve the…

This report describes Thailand's National Education Scheme which was designed to stabilize conditions resulting from frequent changes in the government during the years 1974-76. The general objectives of the scheme are: (1) to promote the appreciation of a constitutional democracy using the nation; (2) to enhance an awareness of being Thai through…

Recent educational developments in Nigeria reflect an attempt to replace British colonial influences with a system more suited to the needs of the Nigerian people. In accordance with the objectives of redefining educational values and practices, a new national educational policy was established in 1973 to emphasize lifelong learning, community…

The paper discusses three major obstacles to a change in women's status in developing nations: (1) Misconceptions about development. Women are the largest group who suffer as a result of the concept of development as quantitative, material, technological, and elitist, because that conceptualization does not lead to social change. Development based…

One purpose of this paper is to suggest appropriate policy options for investment in education. While the discussion of issues and options is based on the research literature, field observations, and interviews, this is not a review of the state of the art. It is an attempt to define and focus the debate on investment choices. Section 1 of the…