For example, in those countries where information is available, we see only a small trend during the 1990s towards an increased role of the private sector. Foreign direct investment in the region is also low. Even countries that are doing relatively better at attracting FDI, such as Egypt and Tunisia where FDI accounts for 5.2 percent and 6.3 percent of gross capital formulation, are still well below the worldwide average of 10 percent. Only Jordan comes close to this worldwide average at 9.4 percent. An attack on poverty is vastly more successful if it also empowers poor people to take part in the national economy, and to shape their own lives, through education, health care, and participation in the decisions that affect them and their families.
Education is a prime example.
In El Salvador communities elect parents who are responsible for hiring and firing teachers and equipping and maintaining schools. Teacher and student absences have dropped sharply. In India a similar program is improving education for 50 million children. New census data show a steep drop in illiteracy. In Yemen, enrollment of girls has increased when communities have been involved in identifying needs and selecting school sites.