Robust governance frameworks and financing

ensure equal access to free, public, quality education for all and public regulation of private actors.

Commercialization of education diverts public investments towards low-quality for-profit education and is a threat to inclusive accountable systems. It increases inequality and jeopardises marginalized children’s access to quality education. Accountable governance systems should regulate all private actors in education. If public education systems remain fragile and underfinanced, they will not be sustainable and will run the risk of collapse in times of crisis or shock, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although school fees have been abolished almost everywhere and free public education enshrined in most national legislation, additional education costs should be removed. This includes school uniforms, books, stationery and transport, and hidden costs where schools or teachers ask parents to contribute unauthorised fees. Strengthened school management committees that monitor and report such incidences are essential.

Oxfam works to ensure that free, quality education is the responsibility of governments and that resources are spent transparently. In countries with limited means, donors should support public education systems.