What Is the Role of Education in Poverty Reduction in Today’s World?
The role of education in poverty reduction is undeniable, acting as a powerful equalizer that can transform lives and uplift entire communities. UNESCO estimates that equipping all students in low-income countries with basic reading skills could lift 171 million people out of extreme poverty, while universal secondary education could halve global poverty rates.[1] Education not only imparts academic knowledge but also fosters social, emotional and cognitive skills critical for success.[2]
For millions living in poverty, however, accessing education remains a significant challenge. Families often must choose between basic survival and sending their children to school, as fees, uniforms and supplies are beyond their financial reach. Tragically, many children are forced to work alongside their parents to support the household, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.[3]
Organizations like GFA World are addressing these barriers through initiatives like our Child Sponsorship Program, which provides children with tuition assistance, school supplies and nutritious meals. These resources ease financial burdens and open opportunities for children to attend school. In 2021, the program celebrated a milestone: approximately 2,200 students graduated from high school, now equipped for brighter futures.[4]
One such success story involves Divena, a young girl whose early life was marred by abandonment and neglect. After her mother deserted them, Divena and her brother were often left alone for weeks while their father worked as a truck driver. A GFA World social worker discovered Divena playing in the mud outside her tarp-covered home and felt compelled to help. With her intervention, both Divena and her brother were enrolled in our sponsorship program.
This support changed their lives. Through the program, they received daily meals, adult supervision, school supplies and free tuition. Today, Divena dreams of a brighter future. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “It was very difficult for me and my brother to live without [our mother.] We starved many days, and our father also could not look after us. Whenever I saw the children going to school, I felt very sad. However, today [GFA’s sponsorship program] has become a blessing to me and my brother.”
Beyond transforming individual lives, education has ripple effects that impact entire communities. Educated girls are less likely to marry early,[5] while educated parents contribute to reduced child mortality rates.[6] By addressing education’s role in poverty reduction, GFA World is creating sustainable change rooted in hope, opportunity and the love of Christ.
Learn more about Poverty Reduction Strategy[1] “How Does Education Affect Poverty?” Concern Worldwide US. Last modified August 10, 2023. https://concernusa.org/news/how-does-education-affect-poverty/.
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Ending Child Labour by 2025: A Review of Policies and Programmes.” International Labour Organization. Accessed 2018. https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@ed_norm/@ipec/documents/publication/wcms_653987.pdf.
[4] Walker, Ken. “Child sponsorship: Does it lift the young out of poverty?” GFA World Special Report. November 18, 2022. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/does-sponsoring-child-really-work.
[5] UNICEF. “Girls’ Education.” Accessed March 13, 2025. https://www.unicef.org/education/girls-education.
[6] Balaj, Mirza, Hunter Wade York, Kam Sripada, Elodie Besnier, Hanne Dahl Vonen, Aleksandr Aravkin, Joseph Friedman, et al. “Parental Education and Inequalities in Child Mortality: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – PMC.” Lancet (London, England) 398, no. 10300 (n.d.). Accessed March 13, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00534-1.