Today, more than 72 million children do not have the opportunity to attend primary school. In addition, 226 million children are denied the opportunity to attend secondary school.

In 1948, the world came together and signed the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, proclaiming that all children have the right to a basic education. A quality basic education is the foundation for all of the development issues that we care about.  It is the foundation for healthier families, higher wages, and better democracy. It is essential for helping the most vulnerable children – including those with disabilities, living in refugee camps, orphans, child laborers, and children affected by HIV/AIDS – along a path to a brighter future. Education is a human right, and all children, no matter where they are born, deserve a chance to receive a quality education. 

Did you know…

• There are almost two times as many children not enrolled in basic education in the world as there are enrolled in K-12 schools in the United States!

• In sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than two-thirds of students enrolled will complete primary school.

Learn more by taking a look at the topics on the left. See why education is important, how many children are out of school and where, and what issues affect a child’s ability to receive a quality, basic education.