Power to primary education: is there a role for NGOs?

Primary education is the cornerstone of successful international development. Investing in children's abilities to read, write, and do basic maths is key to an improved quality of life and to poverty alleviation. There are proven links between successful primary or basic education for all and a country's economic growth, equity, and the health of its population. In developing countries, these links are widely understood yet the necessary investment in education is not being made. Is there a role here in educational provision for non-governmental organisations (NGOs)? If so, what might it most usefully be? To explore these issues, Oxfam researchers have examined the situation in Nepal.