DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Introduction
Greater investment is needed at all levels of education if we are to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). DFID gives priority to supporting primary education for all children – especially girls – in countries that are off-track for reaching the MDGs for education. It will continue to do so.
But investment is also needed in secondary, tertiary and vocational education, lifelong learning and skills. This will increase the ability of governments and the private sector to deliver basic services and promote sustainable growth.
The best way to do this is with a sector-wide approach which means supporting the whole education system and using the contributions to education that other sectors make.

Aims
The UK has promised to spend £8.4 billion on education in developing countries over the next ten years. As part of this commitment we will support up to 300 partnerships through the Development Partnerships in Higher Education programme DELPHE. This will amount to £15 million for 2006-13. The partnerships will help reduce poverty, promote science and technology and meet the MDGs.

Administration
The programme will be managed by the British Council with assistance from the Association of Commonwealth Universities.