Yesterday we commemorated the resilience of youth and their power to change the world by celebrating International Youth Day! This holiday, originally created to raise awareness about the issues faced by youth around the world, has special significance in the push for quality education accessible to all children. Rising Star Outreach has a firm understanding of the power of education, which is why it is one of the pillars used in our three-pronged approach to eradicating the effects of leprosy.
“Education is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality… ensuring access to quality education for all, in particular for the poor and rural population, is central to the economic and social development of India.” – World Bank
In honor of International Youth Day, we are shining light on the main development tool used for youth in India. You guessed it, education. It is well known that education increases earning potential and job opportunities, both of which are crucial for someone trying to escape poverty. Not only that, but education has the power to lift entire communities and even countries out of economically desperate situations!
“Education is an investment, and one of the most critical investments we can make.” – USAID
Top international institutions, such as the United Nations, World Bank, and USAID, all agree that education is the investment that will turn the trajectory of a nation’s level of peace, equality, prosperity, and sustainability. In other words, education has a powerful effect on all fronts. With such large-scale and comprehensive output potential, it is no wonder why education has been deemed as an investment.
“The number of out of school children decreased from 25 million… to 8.1 million… Most of those still not enrolled are from marginalized social groups.” – World Bank
We commend all those who were involved with decreasing the number of children without schooling opportunities. We are also trying to do our part in reaching those marginalized youth, many of which are in the communities we serve. Leprosy colonies and neighboring villages are often some of the most impoverished areas in India and deemed to be the home of the lowest caste. Luckily, these children have not been forgotten. Our student population is constantly growing and a brand new campus in the northern regions of Bihar is in the making.
With the help of generous sponsors and qualified staff members (almost entirely made up of individuals from India), Rising Star Outreach is able to provide quality education, nutritious meals, clean water, clothing, tutoring, and extra-curricular activities to at-risk youth in leprosy communities in the north and south ends of India.
“I call on leaders and adults everywhere to do everything possible to enable the world’s youth to enjoy lives of safety, dignity and opportunity and contribute to the fullest of their great potential.” -António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
If you feel inclined to join our cause this International Youth Day, we invite you to visit our Sponsor a Child page. We would love to have you be a part of our task force that makes these life-changing provisions possible for some of the most remarkable youth you will ever meet.
