Education

Education is a dream for many children in developing communities, not a reality. One hundred and thirty million children have no access to learning at all.

Plan's uses a life-cycle approach to education. This ensures that the needs of all age-groups of children are appropriately met and helps integrate health and education activities. In many countries the Millennium Development Goal of full primary education for all boys and girls by 2015 is far from being met.

Through its programmes, Plan develops mechanisms such as youth councils and school management committees to empower children and communities to participate in and influence what happens in schools. This is key to effective, appropriate education and a safe school environment. Plan also provides support for better teacher training and curricula, helps to supply books and materials, and seeks to change attitudes among parents and communities, especially towards girls' education.

Plan is increasingly working with children in particularly difficult circumstances, including working children, street children, AIDS orphans, and children affected by wars and disasters. For these children, traditional approaches to education are inadequate and need to be adapted to meet their needs.

Projects and case studies