ABSTRACT
The trend illustrates that growth rates typically differ for different age strata of the population. It also shows that declining birth rates can take decades to move through an entire population. Indeed, most of the world's 10 largest countries will see substantial decreases in child-age population by 2050; for several of these countries, the decline in this age group has already begun. These countries will need fewer classrooms and teachers to educate the youngest members of society. Few African countries have universal primary education, and secondary education reaches only 45 percent of African children. Educating today's children is challenge enough. Many countries will be challenged to increase funding for education while ensuring that other worthy sectors also receive the support they need. With 900 million illiterate adults in the world, the case for a renewed commitment to education is easy to make.
