ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role of education in promoting human development and reducing poverty. It begins by detailing educational deficiencies in many low- and middle-income countries. First, it presents the common problems with access, such that some children – especially girls and members of marginalized groups – are denied educational opportunities. Second, it lays out evidence on the problems with educational outcomes, such that even many children who do attend school fail to learn adequately. The chapter then explains why education is central to almost any development strategy. Beyond the evidence on the relationships between education and higher wages and/or maternal and infant health, the chapter argues that education is a human right and essential to the development of multiple basic capabilities. The discussion lists a series of capabilities that contribute to key educational functionings. Finally, the chapter offers an overview of effective programs to improve educational outcomes. These include early childhood development programs, conditional cash transfers, and initiatives to improve the quality of teaching.
