In its most recent issue, Time magazine reported that 4 million child deaths would be prevented around the world by boosting mothers’ education. This news is hardly surprising. Start an internet search with “effects of education on” and Google finishes your sentence with any number of social ills: crime, poverty, the economy, health, income. Nevertheless, Time’s statistic is timely.

The Millennium Development Goals

Last week, 140 heads of state and government gathered at the United Nations in New York to review the Millennium Development Goals. It has been ten years since world leaders adopted the MDGs to eradicate poverty and “ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world’s people.” With only five years to go before the 2015 deadline for achieving the MDGs is reached, it is more critical than ever that donor countries reaffirm their commitment to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

With measurable, time-bound targets for each, the eight Millennium Development Goals are as follows:

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. Achieve universal primary education

3. Promote gender equality and empower women

4. Reduce child mortality

5. Improve maternal health

6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

7. Ensure environmental sustainability

8. Develop a global partnership for development

Universal Primary Education: MDG Number 2

The Millennium Development Goal that is closest to the hearts of those involved with the Khanyisela Scholarship Program is Number 2: achieving universal primary education. In fact, it is this goal that can catalyze all other goals, as education alone increases income levels, empowers women, and improves access to health care. » Read more: Education, South Africa, And the Millennium Development Goals