In the area of equity, a major forum has been held to develop a national strategy for encouraging girls education. First and second grade students will benefit from interactive radio programs three times per week beginning in FY 2000, and grades three through six are scheduled to receive them in 2001. Personnel are trained to analyze policy options within a context of budgetary and human resource limits. Several U.S. and Guinean NGOs are taking the lead in building the capacity of local NGOs and parent associations to increase community support for primary schooling. These efforts are taking place in some of the poorest rural communities in Guinea, where equity and access to education are major problems.
Special priority is given to changing attitudes toward girls' education.
Despite the progress to date, education activities have experienced delays due to the slow start-up by the one of the major contractors. These initial difficulties have been resolved, however, and implementation is proceeding according to the revised schedule. The two major activities in the education sector are projected to end in 2001, ahead of the 2002 end date. Indicator targets for FY 2000 and beyond have been adjusted to reflect the current shortage of teachers. As the GOG and donors make progress in addressing this issue, further target adjustments are likely.