International Aid and Education Reform and the Paradox of Implementation: A Case Study of the Philippines

From 2005 to 2011, AusAID and the Philippine government launched Strengthening the Implementation of Visayas Education (Project STRIVE) to improve access and quality of education in rural Philippines. Using data from all participating schools (N=308) one question is raised: How successful was the international partnership in implementing education reform? This three-part inquiry critiques STRIVE from policy implementation and international partnerships perspectives generating mixed results. First, STRIVE goals and accomplishments are expounded. Second, using non-parametric analyses, hypothesised relationships between reform inputs and project outcomes are tested. Finally, STRIVE 'successes' related to project relevance, effectiveness and sustainability are critiqued revealing implementation paradoxes.