Canada announces funding for global education during International Development Week

February 3, 2025 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

On the 35th anniversary of International Development Week, Canada continues to proudly support education for youths around the world to build a brighter future for all. Access to quality education improves financial and social opportunities and has a direct impact on the realization of all human rights.

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced

new funding totalling $50 million to advance global education, skills training and economic opportunities for marginalized youths. Minister Hussen also met with recipients of the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation’s Top 30 Under 30 Award to highlight that education is a cornerstone in breaking cycles of poverty.

The funding announced today will support the following initiatives implemented by the following Canadian institutions:

• Outcome Fund for Educational Results, Cowater International Inc.
• Bridging the Digital Gender Gap in Cameroon and Senegal, LearnSphere Canada Inc.
• International Youth Internship Program, Éducation Internationale [international education]
• Multisectoral Initiative for the Future of Youth in the Green Economy in Senegal, Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie [Paul Gérin-Lajoie foundation], Desjardins International Development and Crossroads International
• Institut Supérieur des Sciences Appliquées et de Technologie Pour une Économie Verte et Inclusive en Tunisie [higher institute of applied sciences and technology for a green and inclusive economy in Tunisia], Colleges and Institutes Canada

Quotes

“The future is brighter when young people can achieve their fullest potential. In the spirit of International Development Week’s 2025 theme of Building a Better World Together, Canada is proud to partner with Canadian leaders on global education. We’re equipping youths with relevant education and training so they can develop skills and secure successful employment in today’s ever-changing labour market. Together, we can build a better future today.

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

• Each year, during the first full week of February, Canada celebrates International Development Week by highlighting Canadians’ efforts to help to eradicate poverty worldwide.

• For every US$1 a government spends on education, GDP increases by US$20. Globally, there is a 9% increase in hourly earnings for every extra year of schooling.

• Research shows that every additional year of schooling for a girl increases her future earnings by up to 20%. On average, an educated girl will earn almost twice as much over her lifetime as a girl without schooling.

• About 450 million youths (7 out of 10) are economically disengaged due to lack of adequate skills to succeed in the labour market.