SUMMER FACT-FINDING SERIES:

10 Facts About School in the Developing World

Quality education is one of the most powerful and proven ways to break the cycle of poverty for kids and their countries. Every child has the right to a free, basic education, yet “school” and the standard of education can be wildly different all over the world. Factors like curriculum, conditions at school, cultural expectations (and more) can affect a child’s educational outcome.

School in the developing world can hold more challenges than you may realize. Get 10 Facts About School in the Developing World that many sponsored children live with daily–and thankfully, your sponsorship is helping to change.

Fact #1: School can be expensive, even when it's free

Over the last few decades, governments around the world have eliminated school fees, giving more children the chance to go to school. Yet, it can still be expensive with uniform or book fees. And because children can’t work while in school, they may start later, stop for a while, or simply drop out.

Child sponsorship helps get kids into school by meeting their different needs like providing uniforms and textbooks, changing parent attitudes, helping families grow their own income, and more.

Fact #2: School can be really far away

For many kids in developing countries, a return trip to school can be a two-hour walk. An epic journey just to get to school means some kids don't go, often miss days, or are too exhausted to learn.

Child sponsorship helps connect kids with schools and in some places, it's less about school fees and more about building schools within a community or building better roads to support transportation.

Fact #3: They speak a different language at school

Many kids around the world learn in a different language at school to the one they speak at home, which can slow their learning. There are more than 19,500 different dialects spoken in India - but only 47 are used in schools. It often means children may not have someone at home to help them understand or do their homework.

How are you helping? Child sponsorship gives children the chance to catch up through reading clubs, study groups and other local learning support systems.

Fact #4: Some parents want their child to skip school

Skipping school is a reality for many in the developing world. Parents may consider school a waste of time and resources and kids who can't get to school can't learn like others their age. Sometimes it’s about the money, but it’s also because of social norms and gender roles. For example, in some places, sending a girl to school is seen as a risk to her morals and the family’s honour.

World Vision works with parents to help them understand the benefits of education. Additionally, we support community parents, school staff, faith and community leaders address cultural norms using methods that are suitable and meaningful.

Fact #5: Children may be discriminated against due to negative stereotypes

Some kids just aren’t welcome at school. Children from different social segments or castes might be similarly discriminated against. Those with disabilities may not go to school because they are refused enrolment or their parents choose not to send them over stigma. In some places, communities and even schools discourage or stop girls from attending.

Child sponsorship helps in constructing disability-friendly infrastructure, and supporting education and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. We partner with communities to challenge negative stereotypes, enabling every child to achieve their full potential.

Fact #6: Many teachers are over-loaded and under-trained

A shortage of teachers leaves existing teachers with huge classes and very limited resources. Research shows that teachers are the most important factor in learning. But teachers often have limited training themselves and as a result, 6 in every 10 children worldwide don't have basic proficiency in reading and math, even though two-thirds of them are in school.

Equipping teachers with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to inspire and empower kids to learn is a key focus of World Vision's work worldwide.

Fact #7: Schools don't always have the resources they need

Apart from gum under the chairs, there are some basics that you might expect every school to have - chairs, a classroom, electricity, pens and pencils, books, and toilets. Without them, learning can be tough. Imagine trying to learn how to write when you don't have writing tools or a desk.

Support through child sponsorship helps provide reading materials, toilets and taps, and other resources like computers and tablets in schools where they are needed.

Fact #8: Extraordinary crises that disrupt school are more ordinary

Interruptions in education is one of the many impacts of natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises. Developing nations lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to effectively handle disasters and are particularly susceptible to conflicts. Children in these countries are 30% less likely to complete primary school and half as likely to complete lower-secondary school. This negatively impacts learning and literacy levels for both children and communities.

Child sponsorship enhances community resilience in the face of disasters and emphasizes children's education during the recovery phase. We also train community members to protect children and ensure continuous learning.

Fact #9: A period can be a big problem

Missed school can have devastating impacts on girls' learning and literacy. At least 500 million women and girls don't have the essentials they need to manage their monthly period hygienically and with dignity. Things like toilets, water, and sanitary products aren't attainable. As a result, they will often stay home or drop out altogether.

Child sponsorship helps girls stay in school by installing lockable toilets and taps in schools. Additionally, we educate children about menstrual hygiene management and collaborate with teachers and schools to transform attitudes and foster a supportive learning environment for girls.

Fact #10: It's hard to learn if you are unwell

Healthy, well-fed children have a distinct advantage in learning compared to their counterparts. Undernourished children with stunted growth score 7% lower in math tests and are 19% less likely to acquire reading skills by age 8. Children who are often sick miss out on more days of school, and the impacts on their learning and future opportunities can last for life. Providing children with health basics can have a seismic shift on how well they learn, and ultimately translate that learning into a life free from poverty.

Child sponsorship ensures children's health for learning through food and farming support to families. We offer nutrition, health, and hygiene education, train health workers and volunteers, and establish clean water infrastructure to prevent water-borne diseases.

Thank you for being part of your sponsored child's educational journey

Through sponsorship, children are getting the extra support they need to build the future they dream of. Knowledge is power – please feel free to share this read with children/grandchildren, family and friends.

While you’re waiting for our next issue, please visit our Sponsor Support Page. Here, you’ll learn more about World Vision Child Sponsorship, how to send your sponsored child a special gift, and get any questions you have answered.