Get the FACTS
Start here to learn more about secondary school education around the world.
:: Globally, 1 out of 5 youth of lower secondary school age are not enrolled in school. Only 65 percent of upper secondary school aged youth are either in primary, secondary or higher education.
:: Progress towards universal secondary education has slowed since 2011 with the greatest challenges to secondary school participation in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
:: Sometimes the commutes to school can be dangerous so it is not safe for children to attend school. Other times, families can’t afford the fees for school or the nearest school may be too far away.
Young people are unable to reach their full potential in many places around the world.
:: Inequality in opportunities and outcomes for young people across countries is huge, with the poorest countries having 5 times higher youth mortality rates than the wealthiest countries.
:: The extent to which young people are able to participate in the economic and civic development of their countries is critical to youth development. Young role models, however, are in short supply.
:: Globally young females are twice as likely to be out of education, employment or training.
The root of the problem is tied to multiple factors.
:: Poorer countries are often connected to poorer quality and access to both healthcare and education.
:: According to UNESCO, world poverty could be cut in half if all adults completed secondary education.
:: Unemployment, violence, inequality and lawlessness are also to blame.
Overcoming barriers to secondary education have real consequences.
:: We can reduce global poverty through universal primary and secondary education.
:: Education must reach the poorest in order to maximize its benefits and reduce income inequality.
:: A world where all teenagers obtain a secondary education would be a better world for all. We can each do our part to make that world a reality.