• Education is a human right.
• AIDS prevention happens in schools.
• Education enables people to help themselves.
• Educated citizens will participate in improving their country.
• Educated parents pass on their knowledge to their children.
• Children in school learn to read, write, and acquire skills that will help them survive as adults.

Education is regarded as the most important tool for the improvement of the lives of millions of children around the world. Increasing access to education effectively addresses critical issues facing developing countries such as poverty, human rights and AIDS. The need for all countries to provide free universal quality basic education to all children is pressing (cf. United Nations' Education For All conferences (1990, 2000).

In that spirit, Deep Roots works with local organizations to provide children in developing countries with the financial and moral support needed to access and complete a basic education, with special attention given to girls, orphans, and other disadvantaged children. Currently, Deep Roots operates in the following four countries: Guatemala, Namibia, Nepal and Zambia.

Education in Guatemala
After 36 years of political instability and civil war, the government of Guatemala has committed itself to a complete reform of the education system, paying special attention to indigenous communities which have traditionally been denied access to education and of which more than half live in poverty.

Education in Namibia
In an effort to reverse social and economic inequalities remaining from the Apartheid days, the government of Namibia has reached out, particularly to girls, children in underprivileged areas, and those affected by HIV/AIDS, with its progressive educational reforms.

Education in Nepal
The political instability in Nepal since 1990 has affected all aspects of life, most notably the education system, leading to an illiteracy rate of over 50% among Nepalese 15 years and older. When accessible, school can provide a valuable and reliable constant for a child in a turbulent environment.

Education in Zambia
The Zambian education system has long suffered from insufficient funding, leading to high (and often unaffordable) school fees. In recent years, the government has renewed its commitment to education by abolishing all primary schools fees. With over 800,000 children in Zambia orphaned, however, other challenges remain.

Supporting the Education of Girls is particularly important. The need is great: Girls are often disadvantaged. And the impact is powerful: It is the mother's education level that most influences her children's education.