Education & Literacy

Children living in the least developed countries, the poorest communities, and the most impoverished households are less likely to enroll in, or be able to regularly attend school, as are children in rural areas, children with disabilities and those living in areas affected by armed conflict. Children from ethnic and linguistic minorities face additional barriers as they struggle to learn the language of instruction. Getting children into school is only the beginning, however. Ensuring that they attend school regularly and complete their studies with the skills that will allow them to achieve future success are the ultimate objectives.

In many countries, girls are less likely to attend school than boys, particularly at higher levels of education. Gender parity for all levels of education is an essential component of transforming gender relations and guaranteeing that boys and girls are provided with equal opportunities to reach their full potential.

Ensuring that every child receives a primary education will require additional resources, but this goal cannot be seen as optional or unattainable. Putting every boy and girl in the world in a good-quality primary school would cost between $7 billion and $17 billion per year -- a relatively small amount compared to other government expenditures. The benefits of such an investment would be immeasurable in terms of health, productivity and social well-being of children today and of future generations.

Source: United Nations, The State of the World's Children 2006