Australia ex-PM Gillard to lead schooling-for-poor group
Washington (AFP) - Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was named Monday chair of the Global Partnership for Education, which fights to bring education to the world's poorest children.
Gillard, prime minister from 2010 to 2013 and before that Australia's education minister, takes on the job at a time when the GPE is seeking to replenish its funding from governments, businesses and civil society groups that back its mission.
The 14-year-old group helps develop and finance education strategies for children especially in fragile and conflict-affected states, promotes girls' education, and backs teacher training.
Gillard is "one of the world's most articulate and effective advocates for improving access and quality of education for children in the poorest countries," said Alice Albright, the GPE's chief executive.
"Prime minister Gillard will help us make the case that a strong commitment to replenishment this year will build on the momentum we've seen in global education over the last few years," she said in a statement.
Gillard welcomed the appointment.
"I believe that with 57 million of the world's children still lacking access to a basic education and 250 million children unable to read, write or master simple math, there can be no higher priority."
