In Guinea Bissau (5th poorest developed country in the world) the illiteracy rate is about 63% (76% for women). Only one third of teachers are professionally trained. The process of decentralisation that will provide the institutional framework for the promotion of quality education is still in its initial stage. This means that municipalities lack budgets and expertise in addressing education needs especially those of girls and other disadvantaged groups.

SNV supported  the Regional Department of Biombo to improve its performance by collecting data and using this information when planning.

Different actors such as parents and teachers organisations, were brought together and responsibilities and mandates discussed. Now the Regional Department is taking a stronger leadership role, managing its resources more efficiently, promoting the good collaboration between all education actors and being more accountable to local communities.  23,678 children (12,260 girls) are benefiting from SNV’s intervention in the Biombo region.