As the world celebrated the 2025 UN International Year of Cooperatives, a new policy brief affirmed what the movement has known for decades: cooperatives are not just economic engines—they are vital classrooms for the future.
Produced by the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the report Building a Better World Together: Cooperative Contributions to the SDGs shines a spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), highlighting how cooperatives expand access to learning, promote lifelong skills development, and empower youth to participate fully in their communities and economies.
The brief argues that amidst a global learning crisis, the cooperative model offers a resilient, inclusive blueprint for closing the education gap.
Combating “Learning Poverty”
The context for the report is stark. Education powers opportunity and equality, yet millions remain locked out of quality learning. According to 2022 UNICEF data cited in the brief, nearly 70 percent of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries cannot read a simple text—a phenomenon now widely known as “learning poverty.”
Furthermore, adult literacy remains far from global targets, with 754 million people unable to read or write, nearly two-thirds of whom are women. From sub-Saharan Africa to South Asia, the disconnect between education systems and labour market realities has left millions of graduates without clear pathways to decent work.
The Cooperative Difference
The new brief emphasizes that education is not an afterthought for cooperatives; it is woven into their DNA. Guided by Cooperative Principle 5—which mandates education, training, and information—co-ops are uniquely positioned to mobilize resources where public systems fall short.
“In practice, this means education is central to cooperative identity,” the brief states. “Cooperatives not only fill service gaps but also embed democratic participation and solidarity into education.”
The report highlights a holistic approach that spans the entire spectrum of life. From affordable early childhood care and homeschooling cooperatives that allow parents to pool resources, to technical training for adults, cooperatives are building community-based models that strengthen equity. Crucially, the International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that cooperatives are particularly effective in reaching vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and those in conflict-affected regions.
While the brief draws on examples from Malaysia, Paraguay, Chile, and Europe, it places a significant focus on the transformative work being done in East Africa, where cooperative universities are bridging the gap between theory and practice.
In Kenya, the Cooperative University of Kenya (CUK) is highlighted as a prime example of aligning education with employability. By offering specialized training in cooperative business and community development, CUK is nurturing a new generation of socially responsible entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with SACCOs and regulators, students gain hands-on experience in democratic governance and financial planning before they even graduate.
Similarly, in Tanzania, the Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU) is integrating cooperative principles directly into higher education. The brief points to initiatives like the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (WSACCO), a student-led body that gives learners real-world exposure to financial inclusion and management. These institutions are proving that education is most effective when combined with the practical, democratic values of the cooperative movement.
The report acknowledges that structural inequalities—based on gender, geography, and socio-economic status—continue to deny young people access to education. However, it positions cooperatives as the ideal vehicle to bridge these gaps by offering community-driven solutions that reflect real needs.
By teaching youth practical business management, accounting, and democratic governance, cooperatives are doing more than teaching a curriculum; they are building confidence and fostering leadership.
As the marks the historical International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, this policy brief serves as both a roadmap and a rallying call. It demonstrates that when education is placed at the heart of community development, it becomes a tool for resilience.
“In a time when global challenges risk excluding millions from learning, cooperatives show resilience and inclusivity,” the brief concludes. “The International Year of Cooperatives 2025 remains a rallying call for collective solutions to ensure every young person can learn, grow, and thrive.”
