DONATE Home/What we do/ Education Why education? Education is at the heart of development and is key to breaking the poverty cycle, and improving health, nutrition, income and opportunities for all children. In 2019, Concern’s education programming supported over 200,000 people directly and over 800,000 people indirectly. Key focus areas Three key focus areas of our work on education are: Increasing access to education Improving the quality of teachers and learning literacy, in particular, literacy through the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) tool Improving child well-being by providing safe and encouraging learning environments. Latest achievements In 2020, our education programmes reached 700,000 children. Over 180,000 children were reached directly Over 520,000 children benefited indirectly from our education activities. We spent €12 million in 2020 delivering programmes that help extremely poor children access quality primary education. A closer look at our education programmes We aim to contribute to lasting improvements in the lives of extremely poor people through the implementation of high-quality, multi-dimensional education programmes. Here we spotlight two of our approaches. Improving literacy with EGRA At least 250 million school-age children worldwide currently do not know the basics in reading and mathematics. This poor level of literacy drives school drop-out and exam failure and blocks students from progressing to secondary school. Ultimately, it puts millions of children at a cruel disadvantage for the rest of their lives. In order to accurately assess, improve and monitor literacy levels, Concern has refined and expanded the sector-leading Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) tool among the most vulnerable communities. Our EGRA tool – a series of short oral tests taken in the early grades of primary school – allows us to assess and then address children’s learning needs at an early age. It also allows us to identify knowledge gaps, gather robust data and monitor progress so we can accurately evaluate the success of programmes over time. Safe Learning Model Organisations who fund us Comic Relief Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) European Union (EU) Irish Aid United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Publications on the theme of Education Research and insights from our education programmes in action. Alliance2015 Multi Country Covid-19 Research Education - Safe Learning Model Research Related reading Page 7 May 2019 Where we work We are working to transform lives in 23 of the world's poorest countries. Info 26 April 2019 Insights and research Recent and archived publications relating to Concern's international development and humanitarian practice. Page 25 April 2019 News Breaking and feature news stories, press releases and publications from our work around the world. Other ways to help Corporate support Is your company interested in working together for a common cause? Fundraise for Concern From mountain trekking to marathon running, cake sales to table quizzes, there are lots of ways you can support our work. Buy a gift With an extensive range of alternative gifts, we have something to suit everybody. Leave a gift in your will Leave the world a better place with a life-changing legacy. Volunteer with Concern The lots of ways to get involved with our work as a volunteer School fundraising Without the generous support from schools, we wouldn't be able to do the work that we do. Share News and publications Latest news Insights & research Vacancies Jobs in Ireland International jobs Street and door fundraising Volunteering About us Annual reports How we spend your money How we are governed Get in touch Contact us Make a complaint Media room Terms and conditionsPrivacy policyCookie policyManage my cookies Concern Worldwide, a company limited by guarantee, Registered Company Number: 39647, Registered Revenue Number: CHY 5745, Registered Charity Number: 20009090, Registered in Ireland, Registered address is 52–55 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2. Phone: +353 1 417 7700