Education remains one of the most effective tools for combating poverty and promoting inclusive growth. According to the World Bank, each additional year of schooling increases individual earnings by approximately 9%, while UNESCO estimates that education has contributed to a 40% reduction in extreme poverty since 1980.
Considered by the World Bank as the most reliable path out of poverty, education supports employment, economic growth, and improved living conditions. Each additional year of schooling leads to an average 9% increase in hourly earnings, while UNESCO estimates that education has helped reduce extreme poverty by 40% since 1980.
“For example, within AODAN-EHPAD, we have an initiative with German partners to provide distance learning opportunities for unemployed African youth. There are online programs, and we work with several African countries to help them develop technical training policies in sectors they identify as being in demand. These courses cover a variety of skills, are open and free of charge, and include online monitoring and mentoring.”
Mohamed Belhocine, African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation – Algeria
Despite the progress made, access to quality education remains a challenge. According to UNESCO, 273 million children and young people worldwide were still out of school in 2024. The World Bank also notes that seven out of ten children in low- and middle-income countries are unable to read and understand a simple text by the age of ten.
“Some parents are neither ready nor willing to support their child. As teachers, we face significant difficulties educating such children because we see no encouragement coming from home. People are more interested in building classrooms than investing in teacher training and professional development.”
Hassan Hussein, Teacher – Ghana
International institutions emphasize that the quality of learning largely depends on teachers’ skills and competencies. According to UNESCO, every dollar invested in education can generate up to fifteen dollars in economic returns. In several high-performing education systems, the teaching profession enjoys strong recognition and continuous professional support, which are considered essential for improving learning outcomes and strengthening human capital.
“Whether in initial teacher training or continuous professional development, one of the major challenges is enhancing the status of the teaching profession. The best-performing education systems are those that place teachers at the top of the professional hierarchy within their countries.”
Lisa Indar, Chief Executive Officer, CARPHA – Trinidad and Tobago
Beyond knowledge acquisition, education serves as a powerful driver of social mobility and economic resilience. International organizations therefore advocate for increased investment in training, technical skills development, and teacher support. In a context marked by persistent inequalities and changing labor market demands, education remains a critical tool for reducing poverty and promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
