EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
Diamond revenues have a tremendous impact on educational opportunities for people in countries all over the world.
It plays a particularly important role in overcoming the immense challenges of education in Africa. While in many western countries it is common to provide free education, in countries throughout Africa it is typical for schooling to be funded by the family. Because of the expense of an education, children are often required to work rather than attend school. Even for those children who can afford to go to school, many end up in schools that are poorly equipped.
However, in many of the countries that participate in the legitimate diamond trade, diamond revenues are dramatically helping to improve the educational opportunities.
THE POSITIVE IMPACT ON EDUCATION FROM THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY INCLUDES:
- BOTSWANA: When diamonds were first discovered in Botswana in 1966, there were only three secondary schools in the entire country. Today, thanks to revenues from diamonds, there are about 285. In addition, every child up to the age of 13 receives free schooling.
- SOUTH AFRICA: In South Africa, children often attend “school” under a tree, sitting in a circle in chairs or even on the ground. However, revenues from diamonds have funded the building of multiple schools, providing nearly 12,000 students with a formal school environment since 1998.
SADIQ SILLA’S STORY
SHEILA KHAMA’S STORY
FRANS NDOROMA’S STORY
ANASTACIA KGOSI-MOOKODI’S STORY
LEAH GWANGWA’S STORY
