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Collaborating in education for all? Experiences of government support for non‐state provision of basic education in South Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa
Author(s) -
Rose Pauline
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
public administration and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1099-162X
pISSN - 0271-2075
DOI - 10.1002/pad.420
Subject(s) - collusion , government (linguistics) , state (computer science) , facilitation , public relations , basic education , political science , control (management) , economic growth , public administration , sociology , business , economics , management , law , linguistics , philosophy , algorithm , industrial organization , computer science
While basic education is commonly seen as primarily a state responsibility, non‐state providers (NSPs) can play an important role in expanding access to children underserved by public provision. Experience from five countries indicates that collaboration between governments and NSPs is closest when different forms of engagement interact (for example, facilitation or contracting of education services necessitating regulation which can lead to greater involvement in policy dialogue). However, more intense forms of engagement can result in tension, mistrust and even antagonism, particularly where dominant but ineffective centralised ministries of education attempt to maintain control over the sector, even where they are unable to support their own provision effectively. In such contexts, collusion between NSPs through umbrella associations is apparent, often with the aim of challenging restrictive government practices. However, evidence suggests that these associations tend to favour more established NSPs serving élite populations. There is a need both to recognise the complexities of collaboration amongst a diverse group of NSPs, as well as between them and governments, to support the achievement of education for all. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.