GIZ's basic education measures are aimed at contributing both quantitatively and qualitatively to improving education in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Partner countries are supported in improving the access of their populations to good basic education. The appropriate educational concepts are developed to suit the specific educational needs and potential of people in urban poverty areas, rural regions and refugee zones. A reasonable and sustainable use of educational opportunities by children, young people and adults is assured only if the teaching and learning methods take their particular circumstances into account and actually put them to productive use. Special educational concepts are developed to suit the specific potential of especially disadvantaged groups such as ethnic minorities, girls or refugees. This compensates for the disadvantages they face and boosts their empowerment. A basis for independent learning is to be created, which will contribute to the self-determination and social participation of the target groups. The general aim of GIZ activities in the basic education sector is to strengthen educational systems.

Target groups

Children of primary school age are by no means the sole beneficiary of basic education measures and the strengthening of educational systems. Of course children and young people are taught in the formal education system, but adult education is also supported. The aim is to foster a seamless transition from basic education to vocational training facilities, universities and youth-training schemes.
Core activities include the training and upgrading of teachers as well as institutional and policy advisory assistance in ministries of education and their subordinate educational administrations. In this way comprehensive or regional innovations in the educational system can be supported at system level. These activities are supplemented by cooperation and coordination with civil society organizations, supra-regional networks and international bodies.