Basic education

Definition

The whole range of educational activities, taking place in various settings (formal, non-formal and informal), that aim to meet basic learning needs. It has considerable overlap with the earlier concept 'fundamental education'. According to ISCED, basic education comprises primary education (first stage of basic education) and lower secondary education (second stage).

Example of use

Basic education is more than an end in itself. It is the foundation for life long learning and human development on which countries may build, systematically, further levels and types of education and training (UNESCO, 1990: 7).