Addressing the Learning Crisis: An urgent need to better finance education for the poorest children

In 2016, an estimated 600 million children and adolescents did not reach the minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics. There are many dimensions to this problem, one of which is the availability of funding. However, it is not only the quantity of funding that matters, but also the distribution. Evidence shows that public funding often is highly unequal, favoring children from wealthy households. The exclusion of poor children in education efforts is identified as a key driver of the education crisis, and an equitable approach must aim to reach every child.  

This report discusses the impacts of unequally distributed funding on children’s learning and presents ways to reach inclusive and quality education for all segments of the population.