Bahir Dar/Ethiopia - Photo: S. Erken

Education provides the foundation for a child's intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development and forms a basis for active participation in life. A fundamental human right, education enables a person to further pursue his or her rights in adulthood.

Education is a privilege and not a basic right in many parts of the world, where school facilities are non-existent or inadequate.  Latest estimates state that about 93 million of children world wide have no access to any form of formal education. This while access to quality education and achievement in formal education is the most reliable measure towards breaking the cycle of poverty and moving towards self-sustainability. Education has a strong impact on one's health. It enhances life expectancy by reducing health risks like the contraction of HIV/AIDS and other forms of sexually transmitted diseases. Furthermore, there is a significant correlation between the level of education of women and the survival and wellbeing of their children.

Education holds an additional dimension for girls. Of the estimated 800 million adults world wide who are still lacking basic literacy skills, more than two thirds of them women (UNICEF 2007).