For the past 50 years, USAID and a growing number of partners have been working to improve the quality of education in developing countries with an emphasis on boosting child literacy.  In February of 2011, USAID launched its evidence-based education strategy – shifting the focus of global education toward achieving real results in childhood literacy, higher education and equitable access to schooling for children in conflict and crisis environments.

From the USAID photo archives, the following image shows Salvadoran children playing in the schoolyard of a newly constructed school in 1969.  In close coordination with the Office of Planning and School Construction, USAID financed the construction of hundreds of schools in El Salvador during the 1960s.

Salvadoran children play in the schoolyard of a newly constructed school in 1969. Photo credit: Bobby Gavidia

In the second image, taken this year, Markoli confidently grips her notebook as other students gather behind her outside of a schoolhouse in Geia village.  While the school provides primary education up to grade level 3, the age range of students varies greatly as this is the first school for the Bodi people of Geia in the remote area of South Omo, in southern Ethiopia. This school was built by the local community with funding from the USAID Teach program.  The villagers provided the labor, and USAID funding provided the materials and funding for a teacher.

Markoli and other students gather outside of a schoolhouse in Geia village. Photo Credit: Susan Liebold