The consultation on the Role of Education in Poverty Eradication was followed by a round table held with experienced personnel in the field during the 29th session of the General Conference. A draft framework for action has been prepared in co-operation with the Comparative Research Programme on Poverty (CROP), an NGO based in Norway and distributed to other sectors and agencies. UNESCO with the support of UNDP has undertaken a five country study on education and poverty alleviation. The report has been printed and widely distributed.

Under the signed Memorandum of Understanding with Grameen Bank, UNESCO prepared a draft programme framework for the education of the families of Grameen Bank members. By the end of 1999, there were 57 centres, 1340 learners and 46 facilitators.

Four resource centre and two mobile resource boxes "Hiramon" attached to rickshaws" have been constructed. They carry information and education to the people in their villages. Training and information booklets have been prepared and utilized. Grameen Bank has established an Education Trust with an interim Director for managing the education programme. An information brochure on the programme is available.