USAID and Ministry of Education launch new program
January 24, 2006

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USAID El Salvador and the Ministry of Education (MINED) launched implementation of a new education program today to improve access to and quality of basic education, specifically in reading and writing competencies in rural areas.

The objectives of the four-year, $16 million program, named “Strengthening Basic Education in Language,” include improving educational opportunities through teacher training on innovative techniques to teach language skills, measuring learning progress and developing civic competencies among students.

Although the new program will focus on 580 primary rural schools located in seven departments, at the national level the program will focus on the increase, equitable distribution and efficiency of education investments.

During the launching ceremony held in San Salvador, USAID Mission Director Mark Silverman highlighted a common vision, leading to a joint effort, shared by MINED, USAID,implementing partners, the private sector, teachers and parents throughout the country.  Implementing partners include Fundación Empresarial para el Desarrollo Educativo (FEPADE), EQUIP2 (Academy for Educational Development and Research Triangle Institute) and Save the Children with Kraft and Scholastic .