International Foundation for Children | Human Rights Lawyers

"The right to education is unique in that it empowers the individual to exercise other civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, attaining a life of dignity, while ensuring a brighter future for all, free from want and from fear." UNESCO

Studies have repeatedly shown that expanding the educational opportunities available in developing countries is essential to the success of efforts dedicated to lifting individuals and nations out of poverty. The International Monetary Fund cites education, along with basic health care, as the key element to helping the rural poor become vibrant contributing members of their economies and societies.

Despite this knowledge, however, progress toward increasing access to education has been dangerously slow. UNESCO reports that around the world, an estimated 75 million children are not in school and that 776 million adults have not had access to literacy education. Certain groups are particularly at risk – educational opportunities for women and girls are still lagging, as are those for rural, indigenous, and minority populations.

When students do make it to the classroom, the systems in place do not adequately meet their needs with teacher shortages, limited funding and resources, and curricular deficiencies preventing students from benefiting fully from their time in school.

Ending a vicious cycle

Educational deficits are self-perpetuating – a child whose parents have not received an education is at a much higher risk of not attending school either. As this trend is allowed to persist, it is not only the current generation being harmed by a lack of schooling – the children of that population are put at risk as well.

Our goal is to end this vicious cycle – to provide children with access to education, sending them out equipped with the skills to help improve the living conditions for their families, communities, and nations.