We’ve talked a lot about education and the power of reading for early childhood development in our past blogs. Education is one of the most powerful tools you can possess; it not only teaches you necessary life skills but also prepares you for the many future endeavors you’ll encounter as life goes on. But, could education be so powerful that it can break the cycle of poverty across the world? Many studies and professionals say, yes

It’s safe to say that most areas of the world are impacted by poverty in one way or another. Statistics show children from low-income families face more educational setbacks and obstacles than those from higher-income families. Thus, creating a cycle that many professionals believe cannot be broken without proper education. According to the Stand Together Foundation, “Educational failure is at the crux of cyclical poverty; we can’t address one without the other. Fundamental to a child’s growth and an adult’s success, education is integral to intellectual, emotional, and physical development.”

Why are Poverty and Education So Closely Linked?

Many children that grow up in poverty will potentially face more obstacles in their homes and schools as they continue to grow. Consider the number of children that worry about having food in their home, and what their next meal will be. For them, concentration and the ability to retain new information during school hours may be substantially hindered, further leading to emotional or behavioral issues. Many schools in these low-income areas are also ill-equipped to provide students with the necessary resources for quality education; increasing the probability of continuing the poverty cycle. 

For Huffington Post contributor, and LEAP Academy University Charter School Founder, Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, breaking the cycle is up to the education sector and the professionals that want to make a difference. “If you provide children with quality education options, support families and children holistically in a community setting and enlist the support of universities as partners with community, you produce better academic results and improved community outcomes.”

So, What Can Be Done?

When it comes to education, there are so many ways to make a difference in a student’s life and lead them toward the right opportunities for success. For education professionals like Gloria, this means creating schools and programs that focus on learning and development while integrating the proper support system for both students and their families. By engaging with families, you’re opening the doors for their involvement within their child’s educational career. Schools like LEAP Academy also take the steps toward preparing students for college opportunities with college-like schedules and culture that creates a community for both them and their families. Outside of the education sector, many organizational businesses focus on developing opportunities for low-income students within their communities by providing scholarships and grants for furthering their education.