Education fundamentally influences who we are, what we know, what we believe, how we think, and what we can do. It determines the prospects of individuals and nations. It is the basis on which all other elements of development are founded:

ECONOMIC GROWTH & PROSPERITY

• Economic Growth – Education is a fundamental requirement for broad-based economic growth.
  
• Agriculture – Education provides the knowledge and skills to improve farming practices and appropriately employ fertilizer, new seeds, and other new technology.
• Globalization and Technology – Education will be a determinant of success at both the individual and country levels.

POLITICAL STABILITY & DEMOCRACY

• Democracy – Education encourages and provides the tools for informed citizen participation.
• Tolerance – Education provides the knowledge and judgement that promotes tolerance and understanding among peoples

QUALITY OF LIFE

• Maternal & Infant Health – Education provides individuals with the knowledge and skills that facilitate an understanding of, and ability to practice, basic elements of health, sanitation, and child care.
• Population – Education provides girls and women with a greater appreciation of their own potential and rights, a greater understanding of basic health, nutrition and methods of family planning, and expanded employment opportunities.
• Girls’ Education – Educated women marry later and have fewer children and better prenatal care. Their children have higher survival rates and better health and nutrition, and are more likely to succeed in school.
• Preventable Diseases – Education and behavior change are the most effective ways to address preventable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, small pox, tuberculosis, and diarrhea.
• Child Labor (Exploitation) – Basic education is recognized by the ILO as the most effective means of preventing child labor and sexual exploitation.
• Environment – Education can teach people about how they interact with nature and the consequences of non-sustainable uses of natural resources.
• Life expectancy – Rises by as much as 2 years for every 1% increase in literacy.
  
  

In developing countries, more than 77 million children ages 6 to 12 are out of school, 57% of them girls. Meanwhile, over 150 million children in the developing world start school but do not complete five years, the minimum required for basic literacy.