“Developing countries are hoping that professional education will become a driver of economic growth. Switzerland, too, is financing such initiatives. We are identifying the factors on which their success depends. The study is being conducted in six Asian and African countries in interdisciplinary collaboration with locally based researchers. In particular, we want to know what is most effective in reducing poverty: providing training for low-skilled jobs or for higher professional qualifications?”

Markus Maurer, education scientist, University of Teacher Education in Zurich