The Power of Education

In much of the world, we often forget the power of education. It has become so routine that we take for granted its significance. But in the developing world, the impact of education is striking. It changes lives. Changes families. Changes communities. Changes nations. Education impacts every area of life – poverty, health, family, social responsibility. Investing in education is vital because it gives people the skills they need to help themselves.

Esther, the director of a community school in Ng’ombe, shared a story of a wealthy doctor who wants to drill a well for the Ng’ombe community to have clean drinking water. But the local committee responsible for development has not followed up with the idea. When asked why… she said, “Ignorance.” 

Education can break the oppression of ignorance and
open the door to a new and better life.

Education leads to improved health. With education, people are better prepared to prevent disease and to use health services effectively. For example, young people who have completed primary education are less than half as likely to contract HIV as those with little or no schooling.

Education leads to higher wages and economic growth. In many poor countries, with each additional year of schooling, people earn 10% higher wages, which in turn contributes to national growth.

Education leads to improved social responsibility and democracy. When children know their rights, they are better able to exercise them. With education, they can improve the living standards in their communities by advocating for improved sanitation, clean water, healthcare, and better governance, among many other things.

Quality education has the ability to change lives in Zambia!