Decentralization of Education · Demand-Side Financing

This book aims at assisting policymakers and practitioners in developing countries, as well as staff members of international organizations interested in exploring alternative methods of financing education. It reviews World Bank education projects with demand-side financing that became active from 1993 to 1996. The analysis is based on World Bank staff appraisal reports. Demand-side financing refers to the channeling of public funds directly to individuals, institutions, and communities on the basis of expressed demand. It may also mean resource mobilization by beneficiaries for identified needs. The book introduces the demand-side financing tools employed in the World Bank-financied projects discussed in this review using simple working definitions and specific examples. The lessons derived from this review are: 1) involvement and support of the beneficiaries; 2) active participation of parents; 3) involvement of the private sector; 4) partnerships with commercial enterprises; 5) flexibility; 6) capacity building; 7) participation; 8) cultural relevance; 9) equity; and 10) transparency.