Low Cost Private Schools as Part of the Solution for Education for All
Contributor Name:
Kavita
Empirical research in Asia, Africa and Latin America strongly suggests that low cost private schools are part of the solution in providing quality education for all. Low cost private schools seem to address the needs of the poor more effectively and exceed in performance when compared to public sector schools.
Critics claim that affordable private schools face problems with access, equity and quality of provision. The author states that while the problems associated with private schools are real, they are not insurmountable, and suggests that:
- Access for the poor and girls can be made available through targeted vouchers and scholarships;
- Quality improvements can be brought about in the low cost private education sector;
- Market mechanism will ensure that any successful improvement solution found will quickly by replicated by other entrepreneurs.