Madam, - John O'Shea of Goal argues that Irish aid money should not go to African governments. However, he ignores the reality on the ground for millions of African children who receive an education through their government that is funded, at least in part, by international aid.
The recent expansion of support for education from international donors, following a long decline, has helped see an extra 41 million children in school across the world. Africa has been at forefront of this drive with a 36 per cent increase in primary school enrolment since 2000.
Countries such as Benin, Ethiopia, Guinea, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia have greatly increased the numbers of children at school since 1999. Donor support to education in Mozambique, for example has allowed the government to eliminate school tuition fees, allowing many more children to go to school, especially the poor. This would not have happened without support for government education plans by international donors.
But millions are still left behind because governments cannot pay adequate salaries to teachers, because they lack adequate teacher training facilities, because many teachers across Africa have been struck down by Aids, and because of the lack of schools and books. Some 33 million children of primary school age in sub-Saharan Africa are still not enrolled in school. The challenges are enormous but they cannot be met by piecemeal contributions delivered outside the government sector.
Governments in Africa need more not less assistance from governments such as ours. This is the only way to deliver education for all. - Yours, etc
DAVID JOYCE,
Chairperson, Irish Coalition for the Global Campaign for Education,
Irish Congress of Trade Unions,
Parnell Square,
Dublin 1.
Madam, - John O' Shea's two questions regarding aid to Africa (January 23rd) deserve a response from the Government. The corruption and brutality of many of the governments receiving aid are well documented. These issues need to be addressed before more Irish taxpayers' money is squandered by certain unscrupulous African leaders who deny help to their people in desperate need.
Having lived in various African countries for 30 years I fully support Mr O'Shea's concerns. - Yours, etc,
NIAMH CASEY,
Blackheath Gardens,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.