Why education is important: How learning transforms children's lives

Education changes everything.

At ChildFund Australia, we’ve seen the power of education firsthand. When a child learns to read, they don’t just sound out words – they unlock a future filled with possibility. When a girl stays in school, she doesn’t just earn a certificate – she breaks cycles of poverty and disadvantage that have lasted generations.

That’s why education is important. Every child should have the opportunity to learn. If you’ve ever asked, what is the importance of education, the answer is clear: it unlocks opportunity, breaks cycles of poverty and empowers children to reach their full potential. More than that, education is important to society because it:

• strengthens communities,
• reduces inequality, and
• builds a more just and prosperous future for all.

The problem: millions of children still miss out

Despite education being recognised by the United Nations as a basic human right, millions of children are still denied access to school. Poverty, conflict, gender inequality and a lack of support for children with disabilities, continue to keep classrooms out of reach for far too many. This is why inclusive education is important.

ChildFund is taking action. We partner directly with local communities, working side by side to dismantle barriers to education. Together, we are creating a world where every child has the chance to learn and reach their full potential.

How education changes a child’s life

1. Education unlocks practical life skills

When children learn to read, write and do basic math, it opens doors throughout their lives. A mum who can read health information is more likely to keep her children safe. A young person who can calculate expenses can avoid being taken advantage of.

The benefits of education go beyond academics – it builds problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills that help children grow into adults who can lead, innovate and make informed decisions.

2. Education increases future income and opportunity

Every additional year of schooling increases a child’s earning potential by around 10%. For many families, that’s the difference between surviving and building a stable future.

When children finish school, they’re more likely to secure jobs, build careers, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In fact, education is one of the most effective long-term investments we can make to end child poverty. This shows exactly why education is important – it’s one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty.

3. Education leads to better health and longer lives

Those who have completed more years of schooling are more likely to:

• access healthcare,
• practice good hygiene,
• and understand nutrition.

Communities with higher levels of education have lower child mortality rates and better public health outcomes overall. Education doesn’t just improve individual lives – it improves the wellbeing of entire communities.

4. Education builds confidence and empowerment

Learning empowers children to believe in themselves. It gives them the confidence to participate in decisions that affect their lives – especially girls and children from marginalised communities.

In our programs, we see children grow into leaders, advocates and changemakers – all because someone invested in their education.

The power of education in building communities

1. Education strengthens democracy and civic participation

So why is school important for society? Education helps people become informed, active citizens. It leads to higher voter turnout, better governance, and stronger civic institutions. In countries where literacy rates are higher, we see greater accountability and less corruption.

2. Education reduces inequality and breaks cycles of poverty

When every child – no matter their gender, ability or background – gets the chance to learn, whole communities benefit. Girls who go to school are more likely to delay marriage, have healthier families and lift future generations out of poverty.

This is exactly why we need school – to create a more equal world. The importance of education is most visible in the lives it uplifts.

In the places where ChildFund works, we’ve seen the ripple effect of education – it lifts children, families and entire villages out of poverty.

3. Education promotes peace and understanding

Education fosters respect, empathy, and understanding. It helps reduce the spread of misinformation and builds bridges between communities that might otherwise remain divided. Research shows that countries with higher levels of education experience fewer conflicts and are more resilient in the face of adversity.

Why inclusive, quality education matters

Access to school is just the beginning. What happens inside the classroom is just as important. At ChildFund Australia, we focus on making sure education is:

• Safe – children must be protected from violence and exploitation at school.
• Inclusive – every child should have the opportunity to learn, including children with disabilities.
• Relevant – the curriculum must build skills that matter in real life .
• Supported – from trained teachers to clean water and proper toilets, the basics matter.

Quality education is important and learning must be safe, inclusive and effective for all. Find out how one-on-one learning helped 9-year old Tomas learn to read.

Supporting girls’ education

Right now, 119 million girls are out of school globally. That’s not because they’re unwilling – it’s because barriers like poverty, gender discrimination and early marriage stand in the way.

Because education is important for children, we invest in scholarships, mentoring programs and community education that empowers girls and shifts attitudes. Because when girls are educated, entire communities benefit.

Our approach to education

At ChildFund, we work alongside local partners to:

• Build and repair classrooms in remote communities
• Train passionate, qualified teachers
• Provide learning materials and school supplies
• Co-create inclusive learning environments to support children with disabilities
• Champion girls' education and gender equality
• Engage families and communities in supporting children’s learning

We also create income opportunities for families – so they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table or sending their children to school.

The bottom line

Education is a human right – and it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to create a better world.

At ChildFund Australia, we’re committed to making sure every child has the chance to learn, grow and reach their full potential. Because when children learn, communities grow stronger. Poverty declines. And futures transform.

Help us break barriers to education

Your donation can help provide school supplies, train teachers, build classrooms and remove the obstacles keeping children – especially girls – from learning.

Together, we can make sure every child has the opportunity to learn – and the power to shape their own future.