Education and school
Taking children, particularly girls, out of school in order to work is one way poor families try to cope with financial hardship. Even if there are no school fees, many struggle to afford the necessary pencils, paper, shoes and clothes
This may help make ends meet in the short term, but the cost is huge in the long term. Even when working children manage to attend school, they will certainly attend less regularly and do less well than their peers.
In rich countries, people have an average of ten years of schooling; in developing countries the average is four. Poor transport and long distances to school make it even more difficult to attend.
Without the chance of a full education, children do not get the qualifications they need for decent jobs, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty into the next generation and beyond.
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Niger is the largest country in Western Africa. Around 80 percent of it is covered by the Sahara desert and the non-desert parts frequently suffer droughts and food shortages. |
 | South Sudan: conflict in Jonglei We are working with our partners to deliver aid to people driven from their homes by fighting in Jonglei State. |
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The what, why and how of campaigning with CAFOD - and some top tips to make sure your actions make a difference. |
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Major gifts to CAFOD change lives. Whether you are an individual, a corporate partner or a trust or foundation, our dedicated team will work with you to ensure your gift has the greatest possible impact. |
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Development Board Members Oliver Pawle and Christopher Kemball visited Zambia in April 2011 to find out more about how From Poverty to Opportunity is making a difference to the lives of the poorest of the poor. |
