By UNESCO words, “literacy is a human right that empowers individuals, families and communities and improves their quality of life. Because of its ‘ multiplier effect’, literacy helps eradicate poverty, reduce child mortality, curb population growth, achieve gender equality and ensure sustainable development, peace and democracy.”

Still, because of persisting inequality and marginalization, education remains an inaccessible right for millions of children around the world. UNESCO Institute of Statistics shows that we still have 124 million out-of-school children and adolescents, as well as 759 million illiterate adults in the world (two thirds of them women) who are at risk of losing the best opportunities to improve both their living conditions and those of their children.

Also, almost twice as girls between age six and 11 as boys will never get the chance to learn to read and write in primary school or even start school if current trend continues.

In developing and developed countries alike, children do not have access to basic education because of inequalities that originate in sex, health and cultural identity (ethnic origin, language, religion). Undeniably, many children from disadvantaged backgrounds are forced to abandon their education due to health problems related to malnutrition, because of work or to provide support for the family. But challenges also exist in high income countries: according to the European Literacy Policy Network, one in five adults in Europe lacks the basic skills to understand the instructions on a medicine bottle.

In difficult economic times, latest aid reports from Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report, UNESCO, show that the share of total aid being allocated to education fell from 9.5% to 8.2% between 2013-2014, indicating that the sector is falling further down the list of priorities for donors, bringing up some alarming implications, making education progress extremely difficult and not leaving too much room for optimism.

Universal education is a major issue and a sizeable problem for the world as one. But also for every company, institution and individual. The challenge is for everyone to put some effort and manage financial resources to build strong foundations through early childhood care and education. This will help the world fight for inclusion and dignity, creating an environment for sustainable development and more cohesive societies. Little by Little.

For more education data by UNESCO, visit: http://en.unesco.org/