Focus Area

Education

Education has been described by among others, Nelson Mandela as the most powerful weapon with which humanity can use to change the world. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26, for instance states categorically that everyone has the right to education (UNESCO, 1998).

The system of education has undergone transformation but, on the flipside, concerns have been raised about growing inequities along historically dimensions of social stratification. In informal settlements and rural areas, socio-economic issues have become a key concern.

The dramatic economic and educational changes over the past years have stimulated concerns about vulnerable children in underserved areas. Recent empirical studies give evidence of growing disparities in educational opportunities between urban and rural areas. These studies also point to a persisting gender gap in enrollment and to the disproportionate impact of poverty on girl educational participation. YBK therefore strategically carries out programs in the sector to address the foretasted challenges in underserved areas.