Good News, Everyone!
Worldwide improvements in education.
Here are a few reasons why the world is becoming a better place. In this article I have focused on data concerning kids and education, to show that even during these tough times the world is becoming a better place, especially for the younger generations.
last update August 2026
Worldwide literacy and Education.
Only 100 years ago 68.4% of the worlds population was illiterate. The most recent data suggest that four years ago this number had fallen to 12.3%, and it continues to fall.
I think this is one of the clearest indications that that world wide base level of education is significantly improving. Allowing us more communication and greater connections for the global population.
It all starts at Primary
This shows what percentage of children 5-7 that are enrolled in primary education. With numbers increasing across the globe.
Clearly getting kids into education from the start is a key to better education across the globe.
Afghanistan was the worst country for girls
20 years ago the country had the lowest rate in the world.
“Educating girls is probably the single most impactful thing we can do to make the world a better place.
Women who spend longer in school have fewer, healthier and better-fed children, are less likely to die in childbirth, contribute more towards a country’s economy, participate more in politics, and are less likely to marry young or against their will.”
Years in School over the last 150 years
Countries I currently, or have recently, tutored.
Here I have chosen data from some countries when I currently or have recently had students. To select your own clicking "More info" below.
Below we see how mean number of years the under 25s have spent in schooling has changed of the last century. As the globe has turned from light green to dark blue with have become a better educated species.
Years in school 1990-2023
"This shows how many years a child starting school then can expect to spend in education across all levels, from pre-primary through to tertiary."
Greece leading the way with average of 21 years in school. With numbers increasing across the globe, particularly upper-middle income countries. Low income counties are still on the rise, with many countries making their offical school systems longer, although repeating years also contributes to this data.
Child labour
Getting children into school and keeping them there for longer as had the massive benfit that 100 million fewer children are being forced into child labour compared to 2000.
"While the elimination of child labour remains an unfinished task, the latest global estimates bring some welcome news” - UNICEF
World population by Education level
Our world will be inhabited by more and more educated people. with half the worlds population achieving some level of secondary education.
"A good education offers individuals the opportunity to lead richer, more interesting lives. At a societal level, it creates opportunities for humanity to solve its pressing problem"
School and child mortality.
There is a very clear negative correlation between the average years women spent in school and rates of childhood mortality. Such data implies there could be direct causal link, hence we can state that better educations and more years in school literally saves children's lives.
So those hours spent in classrooms across the world is giving longer lives to our population. In the past half of all people died in childhood. Nowadays 15,000 children still die every day, but things are getting better, with the length of time people spend in school increasing massively.
The Girls are catching up
"In some parts of the world, educating women and girls hits a lot of resistance. It’s up against social barriers, cultural norms and family tradition. But it’s winning.
This isn’t just about reading and writing. Greater literacy means greater empowerment, which means less poverty, lower crime and improved health. The gender literacy gap is set to narrow even more as access to education improves year on year, particularly in Southern Asia and Africa."
Globally gender inequailty is erroding
There’s a global gender gap in education. In many countries, boys’ schooling is prioritised over girls’ for various social, cultural and economic reasons. But the gap is closing – slowly. Gender stereotypes are being dismantled. Governments are changing their education strategies. More girls in school means society transforms for the better.
More people with degrees
Tertiary education refers to any type of education pursued beyond the secondary (high school) level, and aged 18-22.
Again it is very encouraging to see more people going on to higher education, beyond secondary school level, and continuing their education into adulthood. While you don’t need a degree to show that you are smart or successful, it is still great to see that more people are getting the opportunity to study at a higher level.
Lander Bennewith MSc PGCE QTS
Dr Andrew Gibson
BSc PGCE QTS MSc PhD
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Contact:
Andrew +447740 366007
Copyright © 2026 Andrew Gibson. All Rights Reserved.
Address: 42 Gunthorpe Road, NG4 4JF, UK