World Bank must honor its education commitment

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To the editor:

There exists an achievement gap in our educational system. This year’s MCAS results attest to that fact. But while we reflect on the relative performances of our local schools, let us pause, and be thankful. Though the quality of our children’s education may be variable, they still have an education. That cannot be said for many children outside the United States.

Today there are still 61 million children around the world who lack basic education.

This is a problem, however, that can be fixed. In 2010, the World Bank pledged to increase funding by $750 million to put children from developing nations in school.

Despite the fact that this pledge was made just two years ago, the bank has already reneged on its word, using fuzzy math to reduce the amount of money it will spend on education by almost $500 million over a five-year span. Educating children and increasing literacy rates are crucial steps in the drive to end poverty. This reduction in funds by the World Bank is unacceptable.

We must hold the World Bank accountable to fulfill its $750 million promise. Institutions such as the World Bank cannot be allowed to forget or fudge their pledges without consequence.

As the futures of millions of children hang in the balance, now is not the time to take a giant leap backwards. Education should be a right. Every child must be given the opportunity to exercise that right.

Noah Lerner

Amherst