African girls raising their hands.
The SDC considers basic education and vocational skills development to be interconnected and complementary. © UN Photo / Marco Dormino

A good education lays the foundation for the economic and social development not only of the individual but of society as a whole. Education helps to reduce poverty and social and economic disparities and stimulates economic growth. The SDC pursues the objective of quality education accessible to people of all ages by focusing on two priority sectors: basic education and vocational skills development.

Education in any society is fundamental to achieving sustainable development underpinned by peace and social cohesion. Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all is the fourth sustainable development goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Along with achieving decent work for all within the framework of sustained economic growth and eradicating poverty, this goal is central to the SDC's activities.

As a vehicle for raising public awareness, education can help improve hygiene practices, advocate​​ responsible agricultural production, and improve public knowledge about the effects of climate change.

In many developing and transition countries there is a real need to improve the education system. It is equally important to ensure access to education in fragile contexts, where social disparities tend to worsen.

In the area of education, the SDC works to improve the quality of both basic education and vocational skills development. The SDC sees both components as interconnected and complementary, not only from a linear educational perspective. Depending on particular needs and contexts, it can make good sense to teach basic education and vocational skills development modules simultaneously to provide young people with a set of marketable basic skills to maximise their chances for professional integration.

Strengthening educational opportunities in developing countries and countries in transition is a priority of Switzerland's international cooperation in the years ahead. 

Basic education

The SDC promotes quality basic education that is adapted to the needs of each population and accessible to as many people as possible. To this end, it works with several partner countries in reforming their education systems.

Vocational skills development

By working with the public authorities and the private sector, the SDC is able to develop training programmes tailored to the needs of the market. It thereby enables growing numbers of young people to find decent employment and to contribute to their country’s development.

Current projects

Object 49 – 60 of 76

Global Energy Efficiency and Construction Outreach Programme (GLECOP)

01.12.2017 - 31.12.2021

GLECOP contributes to low-emission, energy-efficient and resilient development at a global scale. It supports two multilateral initiatives, the Energy Efficiency in Emerging Economies (E4) Programme implemented by the International Energy Agency and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction. Through its support, Switzerland aims to enhance knowledge and capacities, to leverage successful practices and to strengthen policies on energy efficiency with a focus on the construction sector.


Bosnia and Herzegovina: Improving nursing care for better health services

A nurse sitting in a treatment room.

01.12.2017 - 31.05.2022

In Bosnia and Herzegovina nurses make up the largest group of healthcare professionals. However, the potential offered by their proximity to local communities is underexploited. They are often responsible for administrative tasks rather than patient care and, with limited career prospects, many nurses are attracted by better working conditions in Western Europe. This is regrettable because nurses and the care they provide can be a gateway to better health services for people living in rural areas and marginalised communities.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Health
Education

Health systems strengthening
Primary health care
Education facilities and training

01.12.2017 - 31.05.2022


CHF 5'125'000



Inclusion financière dans l'Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA)

01.12.2017 - 31.12.2023

En Afrique de l’Ouest, le faible accès aux services financiers ne permet pas de moderniser les exploitations familiales et de développer des activités productives. La DDC soutient la stratégie régionale d’inclusion financière de l’Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine et la Swiss Capacity Building Facility pour accroitre l’accès à de nombreux jeunes et femmes aux services financiers et leur offrir des opportunités économiques permettant ainsi de s’attaquer aux causes de la migration et de l’insécurité.


Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF)

01.12.2017 - 31.12.2021

ARTF is a coordinated on-budget financing mechanism for the state, administered by the World Bank. Its priority national investment projects focus on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, education, health and governance. Since the initiation of the Trust Fund in 2002, Millions of Afghan women, men and children have gained access to services and improved their income. It also significantly contributed to the Afghan state’s capacity.


Programme Régional pour la Formation Professionnelle (PROFOR)

01.12.2017 - 31.07.2024

Le manque de qualifications nécessaires à une insertion socio-économique demeure un défi en Afrique de l’Ouest. Afin de favoriser l’employabilité des jeunes, le PROFOR soutient les dynamiques régionales de mutualisation des ressources et pratiques de formation professionnelle afin d’accélérer le développement de systèmes de formation efficaces et répondant aux besoins économiques des pays et de contribuer au développement économique et à la cohésion sociale de la sous-région.


Strengthening the Climate Adaptation Capacities in the South Caucasus

10.11.2017 - 14.11.2023

The project will (i) facilitate the development of multi-hazard mapping and risk assessment methodology enabling 1.7 million inhabitants’ reduced exposure towards climate-induced hazards in Georgia; (ii) contribute to the safer livelihoods and infrastructure of 373’800 residents in ten municipalities by developing response and preparedness plans; and (iii) foster evidence-based policymaking and advocacy on climate adaptation, natural hazards and mountain development in the South Caucasus.


Programme de renforcement de la citoyenneté et de la culture démocratique (CIDEM)

01.11.2017 - 31.12.2021

Après la transition démocratique de 2014-16, les Burkinabés aspirent toujours à une meilleure gouvernance économique et politique, plus de sécurité et de justice sociale. La Suisse entend renforcer la citoyenneté et la démocratie pour améliorer les politiques publiques et leur mise en œuvre au profit des populations, notamment des jeunes et des femmes. L’intervention, en contribuant à la paix et la stabilité dans le pays et la région, répond aux intérêts de la Suisse.


Society, culture and memory

Girls and boys with reading corner

01.11.2017 - 31.12.2023

The “Society, culture and memory” programme promotes culture and historical memory in Central America to stimulate processes leading towards more inclusive, less violent societies. Both culture and historical memory have enormous potential to help to create identities and transform societies in the Central American region, which has been characterized by inconclusive peace and democratization processes and the highest rates of violence in the world. With its long presence in the region and its impartial reputation, Switzerland is well positioned to enhance these processes


Making Labour Market Work for Young People in Albania

01.11.2017 - 31.10.2021

The Albanian economy has difficulties to absorb young people entering the job market. By addressing all dimensions of employment, namely labor demand, job intermediation and labor supply, RisiAlbania project will apply a comprehensive approach to reduce the high youth unemployment (28.9% in 2016). The project will facilitate private sector growth in targeted sectors, leading to creation of 2200 new jobs, by the end of 2021. lt will contribute to 3000 young people placed in jobs and 7500 youth improved their market-oriented skills.


Programme d’Appui au Développement Culturel (PADEC)

01.10.2017 - 30.09.2021

Ce programme vise à contribuer à la constitution d’un pool de professionnels de la culture afin d’induire un changement significatif dans la vision et la pratique culturelle, la promotion de la paix civile et la lutte contre la précarité des jeunes. Des emplois dans le métier de la culture et de l’art seront créés et des spectacles artistiques de meilleure qualité seront organisés, et impulseront des changements sociétaux.


UNited For Youth Employment in Cambodia

01.09.2017 - 29.02.2020

Youth in Cambodia, in particular new entrants to the labour market, face critical challenges in accessing decent and productive employment opportunities. They have limited access to relevant skills, quality education, entrepreneurship training, information about markets and labour rights. With SDC’s contribution, the UN joint programme will support young women and men to access to (self-) employment opportunities and decent jobs. 


Système de Qualification et d'Accès au Travail (SQUAT), Haïti

01.08.2017 - 31.07.2023

Le programme SQUAT vise à améliorer l’accès au marché de travail et l’augmentation des revenus de 10,000 artisans, maitres et apprentis des filières de la construction dans la région du Grand Sud d’Haïti. Pour y arriver, le programme envisage de renforcer l’offre de formation des professionnels, d’accompagner les organisations de professionnels, de les mettre en réseau et de créer des passerelles entre les formations formelles et informelles. Avec un système d’apprentissage dual reconnu et apprécié par les acteurs du secteur en Haïti, la Suisse est dans une position privilégiée pour accompagner ce processus

Object 49 – 60 of 76