Currently, 58 million primary school-aged children globally do not attend school and 260 million do not have access to quality education. Gender discrimination in school contributes to the illiteracy of over 500 million women in adulthood as well. These issues, along with frequent global conflicts, undermine the benefits of education. More specifically, the negative secondary consequences of COVID-19 exacerbated these barriers over the last three years.

On Sep. 8, 2017, the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act was signed into law. The bill emphasized the value of education for economic growth and social mobility as it promoted educational programs around the world. Through the READ Act, partnerships for educational development had greater oversight, coordination and a renewed focus on retention. 

However, the original READ Act expired on Sept. 30, 2023. Now, there is concern that reporting requirements could stall. Uncertainty around basic education programming could hinder programs and progress in USAID missions as well. Supporting the READ Act Reauthorization would reauthorize the READ Act for an additional 5 years, which would resume such reporting and bolster programs. Email Congress to support the READ Act Reauthorization Act.