About the Situation
By the Numbers
There are 775 million illiterate adults around the world
2/3 of illiterate adults are women
67 million children do not attend primary school around the world due to poverty, discrimination or lack of resources
(Source: UNESCO)
For millions across the developing world, poverty keeps education out of reach. As a result, families cannot improve their quality of life and break free from poverty. Education is one of the surest routes out of poverty.
According to the United Nation’s International Institute for Educational Planning, the following are among the effects of education:
- Boosts weak economies
- Strengthens community participation in government and restores the public’s trust
- Protest children from being coerced into armed service
- Promotes respect for rights and nonviolence
- Promotes social cohesion and nation-building
- Promotes an equal society and challenges patterns of gender discrimination, oppression and violence
- Prevents environmental degradation
According to UNESCO, half of the world’s illiterate population lives in South and West Asia—but this region is among those that have also made the greatest progress in improving literacy during the past two decades. The Arab states have also made major improvements: adult literacy rose from 55% to 75%, and youth literacy rose from 74% to 89% between 1990 and 2010. Education results in better family health and reduced rates of child malnutrition and mortality, and it gives women access to great work opportunities.
How Islamic Relief USA is Helping
In the wake of disasters, Islamic Relief’s immediate humanitarian assistance efforts are often followed by long-term development projects that help local populations lift themselves out of precarious state that placed them in acute need. Education is often part of this approach. Projects are aimed at both adults and children and include building and equipping schools, offering literacy classes and training teachers. Many of the education projects target impoverished women and young girls, helping them break free from poverty and ensuring stability for generations to come.
Here’s a breakdown of some education programs Islamic Relief has supported:
HOME-BASED EDUCATION FOR WOMEN
Afghanistan
INSTITUTE ANNOUR TEACHER TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Benin
TONGJIANG EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM
China
MUSLIM TEACHERS TRAINING INSTITUTE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Ghana
AZHAR AKKAR EDUCATION SPONSORSHIP
Lebanon
CHILD FRIENDLY VILLAGE
Mali
NOWSHERA INTEGRATED REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Pakistan
PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENT
Palestine
