Hunger and girls' education.

According to the World Food Program (WFP), two out of every three children today not attending primary school are girls. Poverty in developing countries commonly prevents most girls from getting an education. Many families cannot afford school fees, or spare the income their daughters earn as laborers. Also, lesser value is placed on women's education in some countries, where a girl's main purpose in life is to marry early and raise a family.

According to the United Nations (UN), girls' schooling helps lead to greater social and economic development in poor countries. UN studies confirm that an educated female population helps create literate and self-sufficient communities. A higher literacy rate, in turn, leads to greater income levels, thus strengthening the national economy and infrastructure. Other research shows that between 1970 and 1995, women's education contributed to a 44 percent reduction in child malnutrition in developing nations.

Take-Home Rations

To combat hunger in developing nations, the WFP began distributing basic food items to food-insecure families in 1994. These "take-home rations," such as a sack of rice or a can of cooking oil, are given to families who send their daughters to school. The donated goods compensate parents for the loss of their daughter's income or offset the cost of school fees.

The WFP ration project currently operates in 16 countries. Girls' school enrollment has increased often by 50 percent or more wherever such programs have been introduced. This year, the WFP expects to distribute more than 2 million take-home rations.

Food aid has helped guarantee the education of millions of girls as well as improve their families' living conditions. In areas where there is little tradition for sending girls to school, the rations have also motivated families to take an interest in their daughters' schooling. Parental support helps many girls to continue their education long after the food aid is withdrawn.

A Lasting Effect

Studies have shown that a girl obtaining a primary-school education can have positive long-term effects. Educated girls tend to marry at a later age and raise healthier, better-nourished children. These women are able to protect themselves against infectious disease, such as HIV/AIDS. Girls who attend school are also more likely to have smaller families, which is important in areas where food and resources are in short supply. Last, educated girls tend to send their own daughters to school, thus continuing the education cycle.

Questions

1. What portion of children not going to primary school are girls? --

2. What prevents girls in developing nations from getting an education? --

3. What are the positive effects of an educated female population? --

4. How does the WFP take-home rations project help girls' education? --

5. The WFP take-home rations project currently operates in how many countries? --

6. Explain how education can have a lasting effect on girls and society. --

7. Why is girls' education not valued in some areas of the world? --

8. Do you agree with the WFP's approach to fighting hunger through girls' education? Explain your answer.

Answers

1. two out of every three

2. poverty and a cultural traditions

3. higher incomes that strengthen economy and infrastructure; reduced malnutrition; literate and self-sufficient communities

4. by compensating families for lost labor and school fees, allowing girls to attend school

5. 16 countries

6. Educated girls tend to marry at a later age and raise healthier, better-nourished children. They are more likely to avoid diseases and to educate their own children.

7. Answers will vary.

8. Answers will vary.