Education fundamentally influences who we are, what we know and what we can do. It determines the prospects of individuals and nations. It is the foundation upon which effective development, stable and secure societies and respect for human rights is built:

DEVELOPMENT

• No country has reached sustained economic growth without achieving near universal primary education.
• Adults with a primary school education earn twice as much as adults without any schooling.
• A farmer who has been to school is more likely to understand the causes and treatment of crop diseases and how to introduce new farming techniques.
• The most effective way to address preventable diseases, including small pox, tuberculosis, diarrhea and other water-borne illnesses, is through education and behavior change.
• If all children completed primary education, 700,000 new cases of HIV/AIDS could be prevented each year.  

STABILITY & SECURITY

• Schools provide security and a sense of normalcy for children in emergency and conflict situations.
• Education provides the tools for informed citizen participation in democracy and promotes tolerance and understanding among peoples.
• Education that teaches tolerance, the dignity and value of each individual, and respect for different beliefts is the best hope of turning young people away from violence and extremism.

HUMAN RIGHTS & WELL-BEING

• Basic education is an effective deterrent against trafficking, forced child labor, child soldiers and child marriage.
• Basic education provides girls expanded employment opportunities and a greater appreciation of their own potential and rights.
• The children of educated women have higher survival rates and better health and nutrition, and are twice as likely to be enrolled in school.
• LIfe expectancy increases by as much as 2 years for every 1% increase in literacy.

In developing countries, more than 72 million children ages 6 to 12 are out of school, more than half in conflict-affected states. Meanwhile, tens of millions of children drop out of school before the fifth grade, reflecting continuing problems of unsafe, overcrowded and poorly equipped schools with inadequately trained teachers.