There are 72 million children around the world who are denied the opportunity to go to school. And it's no coincidence that these same children make up a significant portion of the world's population who are confined to a life of poverty. The correlation? Education beats poverty, and it is likely that children denied the opportunity to learn skills, cultivate their intellectual capacity and invest in their future will contribute to the continuing cycle of poverty in Third World nations.
When born into this world, the future of each child is a blank canvas - in terms of intellectual capability or imagination there is no discrepancy between a First and Third World child. It is the environment and opportunities available to them that then begin to mark and shape that canvas and determine the life path of each child. Will they get an education? Will they be fed, housed, healthy and looked after? Opportunity, education and environment become barriers in a
Third World child's life - what's to say that given an education and the opportunity these children couldn't be sporting heroes, politicians or the doctors of tomorrow?
While education forms the foundation of many Western societies, in the Third World there are endless obstacles to school attendance, whether they be school fees, illegal child labour issues, illness, lack of parental guidance or political conflict. Reversing this trend is crucial, because education is not only the key to alleviating poverty on an individual or family level, but can also break the cycle of poverty for an entire country.
Here are a few reasons why education is the key to beating poverty:
Ultimate investment: Investing in a child's education is an investment that pays for itself. It's the best tool or gift that can be bestowed on an impoverished child. If educated, a child will eventually earn more money, be able to help support a family, and be able to help improve the quality of life for not only themselves but others. Educating a child will hopefully spark a pattern of education in their family that turns a cycle of poverty into a cycle of education and opportunity.
Statistical evidence: There is statistical evidence to support the idea that 'education beats poverty'. For example, a child who goes to school will earn an extra 10% for every year of schooling they receive and be 50% less likely to become infected with HIV/AIDS if they complete primary school.
Feed the mind to feed the body: By feeding and stimulating a child's mind, you place them in a better position to be able to feed themselves and others. Education ultimately gives impoverished children a chance in life, and a chance to imagine and create a life different to the one they were born in to.
How can you help? There are a number of charitable organisations dedicated to alleviating poverty through educational measures. One of the most effective ways of helping to create educational opportunities for impoverished children is through child sponsorship.
While you'll be assigned a child through which to monitor the changes and improvements your money is contributing to, that donation will be used to benefit the community as a whole with a significant portion of that money going towards improvements in the available education. Child sponsorship is a tax deductible donation meaning you'll ultimately see that money again. To be eligible for this tax deduction, donate generously today and help feed a child's mind and give them a chance in life.
Are you looking to make difference to third world countries? Why not donate to charity? Charities work across many different causes in several areas of the world. Each charity will have its own focus area and enabling you to donate to a cause you prefer. |
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