Investment in education is widely accepted by both bilateral and
multilateral donors as an essential part of a poverty reduction
strategy. In a world where inadequate education is a key
determinant of poverty – with more than 120 million children in
developing countries without access to schools and nearly 1 billion
adults remaining illiterate – education is one of the most powerful
tools that developing countries have at their disposal for breaking
the cycle of poverty. Education is also an essential foundation for
other development initiatives and plays an important role in:
- Promoting equity
- Overcoming gender bias
- Enhancing human potential
- Increasing labour mobility
- Promoting the health of parents and children
- Increasing participation in civil society
The development of a sound education system is also crucial for
economic growth as it contributes to worker productivity, improved
natural resource management and better adaptation to innovations
and newer technologies. Whilst this has always been the case,
the trend to a more competitive, knowledge-led and
technology-intensive global environment makes the imperative for
training and skills development even greater.
IDP’s Expertise
Education and training is IDP’s prime focus. Our
capabilities range across all educational sectors, from preschool
to primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational and further
training. We have excellent links to our shareholders –
Australia’s public universities – and strong commercial
relationships with 1,000 institutions in the Australian education
sector. We draw upon the collective experience of educators,
consultants and researchers throughout Australia and abroad to
undertake a wide range of education-related development
projects. We link this technical expertise with local
involvement to ensure ownership and sustainability of the education
development goals. With specialist project management skills,
IDP works in collaboration with overseas governments and
institutions to deliver the following services:
- Development scholarships
- Education system reform and restructure
- Management systems integration
- Education management and information systems
- Education policy and planning development
- Systems development
- Examination systems development
- Curriculum development
- Basic education and literacy training
- English language training and testing
- Customised training solutions
- Technical and vocational training
- Education program assessment
- Distance education achievements in education.
Recent and current achievements by IDP in the education
development sector include:
