The Impact of School Access on Children's Futures and Global Education

Access to education remains a distant dream for far too many children — even today. Worldwide, and in India, millions of kids are being left behind.

🌍 The Global Picture

According to the latest data from UNESCO, as of 2023 around 272 million children and youth globally are out of school. UNESCO+2India Today+2

• Of these, 78 million are of primary school age. UNESCO

• Another 64 million are in lower-secondary age group. UNESCO

• And 130 million are of upper-secondary school age. UNESCO+1

Despite decades of efforts, the out-of-school population remains stubbornly high — a sign that mere access isn’t enough; systemic barriers continue to block the path to education for many. Education World+1

🇮🇳 The Indian Reality

India has made considerable progress over the years, with high enrollment rates in primary education. Wikipedia+1Still, gaps remain — especially when it comes to secondary education, retention, quality, and reaching children from marginalized sections. epdc.org+2shakshamfoundation.org+2

• Many adolescents do not complete secondary education; nearly 50% of adolescents in India fail to finish secondary school. UNICEF+1

• A significant number of children may be enrolled but still don’t acquire even basic reading or learning proficiency. databrowser.uis.unesco.org+1

• Rural-urban inequality, poverty, gender, social background all contribute — kids from underprivileged or marginalized families often face the highest risk. epdc.org+2The United Nations in India+2

In some states (especially in densely populated or economically weaker regions), the problem is sharper. For example, certain reports show a substantial share of “out-of-school children” come from a few states that carry a higher burden. Education for All in India+1

⚠️ Why the Numbers Don’t Tell Full Story

• Being “in school” does not guarantee quality. Enrollment alone doesn’t mean learning — many kids don’t reach minimum competency in reading or mathematics. databrowser.uis.unesco.org+1

• Some children drop out over time due to poverty, social pressures, child labour, or lack of access to secondary schools.

• Marginalized communities — poor families, remote rural areas, girls, and minorities — are disproportionately affected.

So even if official numbers suggest “universal enrollment,” real access to meaningful, continuous, quality education remains elusive for many.

👇 What This Means for a Foundation Like Vidhani

These statistics show that the challenge is vast — but also that there’s hope and a clear need.

• Every out-of-school child represents a life at risk of lost potential — no education, limited opportunities, increased vulnerability.

• With hundreds of millions globally and many millions in India — even small efforts (in one village, one town, one district) can make a big difference.

• For children from marginalized or rural backgrounds, support — through volunteering, mentoring, basic infrastructure, community awareness — can re-open the door to education.

• Efforts must address not just enrollment, but retention, learning quality, inclusion, and social barriers.

🎯 What Vidhani Foundation Can Do — And Why It Matters

As a youth-driven foundation focused on education and social change, Vidhani can:

• Identify children in your area who are out of school — or at risk of dropping out.

• Re-enroll them; help with paperwork, fees (if any), supplies.

• Provide catch-up learning (for example weekend tuition / remedial classes).

• Offer mentoring, guidance, and support — especially for marginalized kids.

• Work with parents and community to raise awareness about the value of education.

• Aim for not just enrollment, but real learning.

Because behind every number is a child — and behind every child, a future.