11th July 2026

A new Unesco report shows that in 113 developing countries more was spent last year on servicing foreign debt than on education. Low- and lower-middle-income countries have already lost 21% of the aid to education they were receiving in 2023 and could lose up to 30% by 2027. Some countries – including Afghanistan, Mali, Niger and Liberia – have already lost more than 40% in three years. According to the campaign group Debt Justice, repayments by poorer countries hit a 35-year high last year. 56 countries spending almost a 20% of their total revenue on loan interest. Min Jeong Kim, director of UNESCO’s education division, said: “This is really weakening countries’ stances on economic growth, eroding domestic revenue mobilisation and ultimately also diminishing their ability to handle their debt over time.” UNESCO argued for a change to how debt relief was structured, moving away from short-term to long-term arrangements that allowed countries to appropriately fund the kind of public services that would enable them to develop their economies. 

You can find the full report here.

Loving God, we bring to you the needs of children around the world who are denied the opportunity to learn. Forgive us that the way we fund development aid can limit the life chances of children and acts as a barrier to countries' economic development. May the leaders of nations and all who have power to make a difference find ways to ensure that countries are not perpetually held in poverty. Help us to understand that aid is for the benefit of the recipient not the giver, and that loans for development are similarly made to help the borrower, not make the lender more wealthy. In  the name of Jesus we pray,  Amen.  

The latest results from international development organisation The Fred Hollows Foundation show significant progress in expanding access to eye care across Cambodia through partnerships with the Ministry of Health and provincial hospitals. More than 20,000 Cambodians regained their sight through cataract surgery last year, as efforts to eliminate avoidable blindness continue. In addition, thousands of people received eye screening, treatment for other vision conditions and prescription glasses, while healthcare workers and teachers were trained to strengthen eye care services nationwide. The Fred Hollows Foundation Cambodia country manager, Tokyo Bak, said  "by working with government partners we are strengthening the eye health system and developing the workforce we need to end avoidable blindness in Cambodia,. 

You can find out more about the work of the Fred Hallows Foundation here.

Loving God, may all the world proclaim your glory

and sing praises to your name.

 You are worthy pf praise

from every mouth and worship from every being.

Angels and archangels worship you.

With all the hosts of heaven

we bow down before you and exalt your name.

Your love is at work in all you have made

and you give our lives purpose and hope.

We honour you today

thanking your for all that your have given us

for our lives here on earth

and our life beyond the grave.

From you alone comes love and everlasting peace.

Praise and glory be to you our heavenly Father.

Receive our pray, offered in the name of your Son,

Jesus Christ the Lord,  Amen