By Deb Baker / For the Concord Monitor
Here in New Hampshire, it’s back-to-school time. But according to the World Bank, 72 million kids who aren’t in primary school won’t be learning the Three R’s, or anything else, this year. Those numbers are likely to go even higher given the recent flooding in Pakistan, which destroyed schools along with other infrastructure.
What does this have to do with us? Why should Congress pass the Education for All Act, with so many pressing issues before it? Because universal access to basic education will change the world.
There are plenty of studies correlating the stunning economic, health and social benefits of education in the developing world. Civilian and military leaders across the political spectrum point to the importance of winning hearts and minds in the fight against global terrorism. Many military personnel in Afghanistan are required to read Greg Mortenson’s book, Three Cups of Tea, so they will understand how schools can make the world safer and better. Somewhere in the world, a child who has no access to education may be the very child who could one day cure cancer or solve hunger or perfect renewable energy.
You’ve heard all this before. So let me tell you instead about a man who was tired of hearing it.
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