SCHOOL FEE ABOLITION INITIATIVE (SFAI)  a role for HIV/AIDS networks Joint IATT Meeting,

SCHOOL FEE ABOLITION INITIATIVE (SFAI) •  a role for HIV/AIDS networks • Joint IATT Meeting, • London, 16 May 2006 • Dina Craissati, UNICEF

1. WHY SCHOOL FEE ABOLITION? • bold measures are needed • dramatic impact on enrolment • addressing the rights and needs of vulnerable children • at the heart of education and social sector reform • no debate about the imperative of eliminating school fees • the debate is about the “what” and “how”

2. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY SCHOOL FEES? • complex process: private costs of schooling to households or costs associated with the child going to school • different types • policy options • community contributions and societal engagement

3. School Fee Abolition is not a panacea • quality and dealing with the surge • equity and the need for specific targeted measures • governance: “every school should have a bank account” • sound, balanced education systems • financing and budgeting • national policy decisions, trade-offs, participation

4. SFAI FRAMEWORK • GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT TO COUNTRIES ON 3 BASES: • harnessing knowledge and experience and development of evidence-based strategies • technical and financial support • enhanced partnerships and communication

5. WHAT CAN HIV/AIDS NETWORKS DO? • research and action research: barriers, tailored strategies • data collection and monitoring: mapping, monitoring attendance, local community monitoring, cross-tabulation of data with education • programmatic interventions: enhancing access and retention, teachers, secondary education • resource mobilization • communication: beyond advocacy • mechanisms

SCHOOL FEE ABOLITION INITIATIVE (SFAI)  a role for HIV/AIDS networks Joint IATT Meeting,