Education
With 113 million children of primary school age not enrolled in school, Concern is focused on providing basic education to those who need it most.
Education is a human right and a crucial factor in the reduction of poverty and child labour; it is also instrumental in the promotion of democracy, peace, tolerance and personal and social development.
Scope of problem
The fact remains, however, that 113 million children of primary school age (the majority of them girls) are not enrolled in school. Millions more are taught by untrained and underpaid teachers in overcrowded, unhealthy and poorly equipped classrooms.
Basic education
Concern's aim is to improve, in a sustainable manner, the livelihoods of extremely poor women, men and children. One of the key ways of doing that is by stimulating their demand for, and access to, quality basic education.
Improving status
As a minimum standard, education must result in sufficient levels of literacy, numeracy and life skills. This will enable people to lift themselves out of absolute poverty, and continue to improve their lives.
Gender disparity
Basic education is one of Concern's five key programmes. Concern is now looking to focus on formal primary education. Concern also aims to fulfill the International Development Targets of achieving universal primary education by 2015, and the eventual elimination of gender disparity in primary and secondary education.
