Are private actors the solution to achieve SDG 4?

actionaid

By Dr. Maria Ron Balsera, ActionAid

SDG 4 aims to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’, with the leading principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ‘leave no one behind’. Yet, the answer of how to get there differs widely depending on who we ask and where. Many voices are pushing for stronger partnerships with private actors. However, the negative effects on equity and other areas of the increasing privatisation of education is becoming a central concern for education, development and human rights scholars and practitioners. This is why we have carried out a new study looking at its impact in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda and additional research in Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania. Our findings conclude that, rather than privatisation, we should focus on ensuring that public education is available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable and for this, it needs to be adequately funded.