While many Utah children enjoy spring break, keep in mind that approximately 57 million children worldwide are literally dying for the chance to attend school. A few years ago, the Taliban boarded a bus and shot a 15-year old girl in the head to terrorize young women away from getting an education in Pakistan and Afghanistan, because what they fear most is an educated woman. In South Sudan, girls are more likely to die from childbirth than finish the 8th grade.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) can change that, but only if Congress steps up to fund it with $250 million over the next two years. This would not add a dime to the deficit. The money is already pledged to be spent on foreign aid.
Studies have shown the GPE's effectiveness. Why? Because only countries with proven programs which they have developed themselves receive GPE funding. Higher education levels mean more economic opportunity, more markets to sell US goods, and less opportunities to recruit would-be terrorists.
Funding the GPE at $250 million over the next two years makes economic sense, improves our national security and is simply the right thing to do.
Salt Lake City