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Poverty can be cut by 12% through education

Dubai - The Dubai Cares highlighted the role of education in putting an end to poverty and eliminating the hardship of children living in misery and deprivation across the world.

October is the month when the world contemplates on ways to end poverty and hunger. The International Day for Eradication of Poverty is marked on October 17 and the World Food Day on October 16. Both days are aimed to raise awareness of poverty and hunger across the globe.
The Dubai Cares highlighted the role of education in putting an end to poverty and eliminating the hardship of children living in misery and deprivation across the world.
Dubai Cares' mandate to eradicate poverty through education lies at the very heart of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which was recently launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, focusing on fighting poverty and illness; spreading knowledge and culture; empowering the community and driving innovation.
The International Day for Eradication of Poverty this year is celebrated under the theme 'Building a Sustainable Future: Coming Together to End Poverty and Discrimination'. Poverty, defined as any individual living on less than Dh4.6 (USD1.25) a day, remains a tragic reality for far too many men, women and children across the world, equaling to a daily life of struggle, hunger, deprivation, disease and undermined human rights.
According to the Unesco, if all students in low income countries left school with basic reading skills, 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty. This is equal to a 12 per cent cut in global poverty. Moreover, one extra year of schooling increases an individual's earnings by up to 10 per cent.
'Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty' was chosen as the theme of this year's World Food Day, shedding light on the significance of securing food or means to buy food. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, one in nine people worldwide live with chronic hunger, with the costs of hunger and malnutrition falling heavily on the most vulnerable.
Moreover, almost 5 million children under the age of 5 years die of malnutrition-related causes every year. The most effective investment for achieving long-term health benefits is educating girls and women. Girls' education is often the single most powerful factor affecting health outcomes such as infant and maternal mortality.
"The power of education cross-cuts every part of an individual's development. It is an enabler of economic progression as well as a tool that guides informed decision making. Educated children and youth are better versed to lift themselves out of poverty and avoid the drawbacks that can put them back into it. Similarly, educated parents are better informed on aspects of proper child nutrition and development," said Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com