School itself can be a challenge, prompting many children to leave. Teachers are often poorly trained in basic skills like reading instruction. The schoolroom may be so packed with students (sometimes 100 at a time) that there’s no place to sit or work. The learning materials may be inadequate, with books printed in a language that the children don’t understand. 

Home factors may also influence a child’s ability to learn in school. A child may be hungry and struggling to concentrate, or battling an illness like malaria. They may be sick from the dirty water in their communities, making school attendance impossible. If a child’s parent is ill or has died, added burden falls on older siblings to work or look after younger siblings. 

Add to this the possibility of harmful cultural norms and practices (such as child marriage) that prevent children from attending and completing school. Policies to support children’s school completion are not always well reinforced, prompting some parents to curtail a child’s education after just a few years.

Girls are often prevented from attending school even when they’re eager to so. Child marriage and other harmful cultural practices can bring a girl’s education to an abrupt halt. While many countries have policies in place to prevent early marriage, these laws are not always enforced or supported with education for families. 

Girls are at also at risk of sexual trafficking and gender-based violence, in schools or on the journey there. Lack of safe latrines is another major issue. Many girls tell us that they’re least safe when taking breaks in between classes.

Improving child education is a priority for World Vision. We do this in six ways:

Engage the community: Schools function better – and students learn more – when parents and other community members are involved. Girls, especially, benefit from our work to teach communities about the rights of all children, and the importance of supporting girls in their learning.

Partner for change: We partner with other experienced organizations to learn from their expertise and implement their good ideas in our program areas. We share our expertise with others, partnering with local ministries of education to reach more broadly.

Improve facilities: Clean water or safe latrines near the school can keep children safe while learning and encourage attendance. Furniture, like desks, makes it easier for children to work at eye level. 

Support effective teaching: We work with local education ministries and international organizations that support teacher training, so that teachers have the tools they need to improve their classroom environments.

Build volunteers’ capacity: We provide technical training and offer self-directed learning opportunities for volunteer tutors during and after school. Extra help can make all the difference for a child who has fallen behind and is considering leaving school.

Support local ​learning resources: We are creating locally relevant reading and learning materials so that children can learn what they need to know in their mother tongues.