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Education

Severino Jovino de Lima learns literacy skills at makeshift classes held at his workplace [Marcella Haddad]

"Education for all" is an international ideal, but in some developing countries, education is a luxury

In rich countries, people have an average of ten years of schooling; in developing countries the average is four.

Education has many aspects.

Reading, writing and arithmetic are an important foundation for people to understand their rights and improve their standard of living.
Job-skills training: improvements in vocational training such as carpentry or tailoring can increase productivity and improve income.
Personal development: developing people's potential, knowledge and attitudes improves their quality of life.

But in many countries, parents cannot afford the costs of schooling and, even if it is free, children are often needed to work to help the family income.

There is poor provision of school facilities in rural areas; poor transport and long distances to school make it more difficult to attend.

Refugees and people displaced within their own country by war or famine are unable to send their children to school.

Plus often fewer girls than boys attend school as, in some cultures, social traditions may not encourage education for girls.

Agustin Jarquin Hernandez and his daughter Carmen [Marcella Haddad]

Education brings new confidence

Far from Nicaragua’s capital of Managua, the people of Cerro Bonito have found new confidence and lobby their local mayor to make sure their needs are no longer neglected

Supporting orphans and vulnerable children

The Diocese of Moshi based in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania runs an Orphans and Vulnerable Children Support Programme.

Children at kurmuk primary school[Annie Bungeroth]

Lifted out of poverty by education

As peace has slowly returned to Southern Sudan following the long civil war, so the number of children enrolling at the primary school in Kurmuk has continued to grow.

AIDS education in South Africa

Young women are getting together to spread messages about AIDS

Tanjibul, 14, is a community disaster risk volunteer. He helps organise evacuations to the nearest cycline shelter when early warnings are sounded [CAFOD]

Surviving the weather in Bangladesh

Benedict D’Rozario and Mizanur Bijoy from Caritas Bangladesh and Prodipan tell us how climate change affects life in Bangladesh

Father Mauricio Garcia is director of CAFOD partner CINEP [CAFOD]

Action for peace in Colombia

Father Mauricio García urges international pressure on the Colombian government to continue working for solutions to the country’s long conflict

Advent Appeal 2008

Send YOUR Advent message of support to kids at a special school run by a CAFOD partner - you really will make a difference to many children's lives this Christmas

Shine a light in the darkness

Please sign our petition calling on the world's largest mining company to listen to communities in the Philippines worried about the effect mining will have on their land - plus send a personal message of solidarity to the people of Macambol

World Gifts 2008: Gifts that make a world of difference

Buy a World Gift

Browse our new range of alternative gifts that act as two presents in one – something for you to give to friends or a relative, while the real gift changes the life of someone living in poverty

Published on 30/07/2003, last updated on 29/02/2008

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Adult education in Brazil Lifted out of poverty by education Education brings new confidence Supporting orphans and vulnerable children

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