UN will need $1.64 bn each year to meet basic education needs

New York, June 14. (PTI): The UN will need 1.64 billion dollars each year to meet the basic education needs of the rural poor in low income countries where an estimated 94 million children currently do not attend any school. A major investment is needed in rural education if the Millennium Development Goals, set by world leaders, are to be met, head of the sustainable development department of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Alexander Muller said.

The World body will need 1.64 billion dollars each year for several years to meet the basic education needs of the poor, he said. "Rural people with basic education are more likely to adopt new technologies and become more productive. They can deal better with change, improve their livelihoods, and foster gender equality and active citizenship," Muller said.