Poverty is the most important factor in determining whether or not children can attend school. When families cannot afford to send their children to school, they are more likely to send boys than girls. Around 15 million girls will never get the chance to attend school, compared to 10 million boys.
Investing in girls’ education has a ripple effect on societies, economies, and cultures. Women who invested in their education had lower rates of early marriage and higher rates of living healthy and productive lives. They are able to provide better for their families and have a voice in the decisions that matter to them. It takes a child to raise a village, if you give them the chance.
Families living in poverty often have to choose between sending their children to school or providing for other basic needs. Even if families do not have to pay tuition fees, attending school comes with the added cost of uniforms, books, supplies, and exam fees.
You can help build schools and provide tools for learning.