EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS

Education and poverty have an impact on each other.

Education develops intellectual capacity and social skills. Levels of education correlate with income levels and children who complete only four years of school are better equipped to move out of poverty.

Of those attending school, there is a marked gender disparity in education. Girls are secondary to boys. In addition, orphans (both girls and boys) are often denied any educational opportunity, and children with physical and mental challenges rarely attend school.

Many schools are dilapidated and need of repair and upgrading. United Children's Fund has committed its resources to invest in educational opportunities for children living in these underdeveloped areas who have been denied this right including orphaned and disabled children.

• Elementary and secondary schools are being constructed in remote areas.
• Classroom furniture, equipment and teaching aids are acquired as schools are completed.
• Art rooms, libraries and science labs were built.
• Sewing, carpentry, wood and metal workshops were built and supplied with materials.
• Netball and soccer fields were completed.
• Water systems installed for clean drinking water.
• Vehicles for transporting children with disabilities to school have been furnished.
• Dormitories for teaches and students constructed to provide housing for those living far from the schools.
• Free lunch programs for each child attending school by day and complete meal programs for those boarding at the school.
• Weekly health examinations and immunizations are provided for each child.
• Counseling is provided to encourage parents to send their disabled children to school.
• Home visits, where the children are not attending school, to remind the parents of their obligation to educate all children living in their home, including the orphaned children.

These investments are providing educational opportunities for thousands of children who have been denied the right of school. As a result they will become productive adults with life long employment and learning opportunities. This will enable them to move out of the poverty cycle.

Please seriously consider sending your gift today to support these children and their schools.