I though that you might be interested in hearing about this discussion group. The statistics are daunting, but we must go deeper than the numbers. In particular, the April 2000 Dakar World Education Forum will receive direct input from the discussions started on this List. Their commitments were embodied in the Jomtien Declaration and Framework for Action.
Many factors prevent countries and regions from achieving the objectives of education for all.
Although extensive throughout all regions, the impact of this epidemic is especially acute in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is decimating education systems, and affecting teachers, students, staff and their families in unprecedented and often unrecorded ways. Until this epidemic is openly addressed, and its effects on education sectors clearly documented, a major element in national human resources development strategies will continue to be deeply impaired. Studies are beginning to emerge, for example from Cote D'Ivoire, Central African Republic, Swaziland, Zambia. While we understand the global nature of this crisis, this List is intended to concentrate on the situation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Together, we hope to learn how we can effectively measure, assess, and respond to this challenge.