Many countries of the region have achieved universal primary education and are expanding the period of compulsory education in response to economic and social demand. And when basic education is available, the poorest are unable to avail of it because the direct and opportunity costs are too great. All too often the quality of education provided at all levels remains unacceptably low. Completion of a particular level of education by no means guarantees mastery of knowledge and skills necessary to improve the quality of life. The role of the private sector is increasing as governments seek to reduce their financial burden, especially in the provision of higher levels of education.
Much scope remains to expand the role of the private sector in education service provision.
The question of how to finance delivery of quality and equitable education sustainably remains an important one for virtually all countries in the region. The continuing challenge for education is to ensure that all people have the knowledge and skills necessary for continuing human and economic development and for breaking the poverty cycle. The pattern of ADB support for the sector has changed significantly during the last three decades. Since 1990, ADB has been a major regional supporter of Education For All. ADB's technical assistance grants for education have increasingly supported broader policy, research, and capacity building activities rather than concentrating on project preparation - another indication of ADB's evolving role.