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The PEAS model in Uganda as a case study of increasing equity through the non-state sector

Wed, April 17, 3:15 to 4:45pm, Hyatt Regency, Floor: Bay (Level 1), Bayview B

Proposal

Following substantial progress over the last two decades in increasing access to primary education, secondary education stands as the next big access challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In many countries, less than one in four young people are able to continue their education beyond the age of 11, with the problem frequently being a lack of sufficient school places. While some governments have made commitments to providing universal secondary education, financing is often inadequate such that – in countries like Uganda and Zambia – even government secondary schools charge fees that crowd out poorer students. This means access to secondary school is highly inequitable, with the ability to pay often being the key determinant of how far a child can progress.

Where governments cannot yet afford free secondary education for all, what options are available to equitably expand access, and make progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4?

The PEAS model – which has been taken to scale with 31 schools currently operating in Uganda and Zambia – shows that it is possible for non-state school operators to partner constructively with governments to fill gaps in provision and expand access to the poorest. PEAS schools in Uganda admit twice as many of the poorest students in society as do government schools and cater for students with worse prior attainment, helping them to close the achievement gap with their peers in as little as 1-2 years.

The presentation will provide an overview of research findings from a three-year evaluation of PEAS schools in Uganda recently concluded by the Economic Policy Research Centre at Makerere University working with Dr Joanna Härmä. The research compared the operating models of PEAS schools with government and other private secondary schools, and their consequent impacts on the access and quality goals set by the Ugandan government within its Universal Secondary Education programme. The presentation will also offer insights into PEAS’ core operating principles and how these helped PEAS schools to make a positive contribution towards national education goals. An argument will be presented for how thoughtfully designed partnerships between the state and non-state education sectors can serve a constructive means of increasing school inclusion in resource-poor settings.

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