The relationship between education and poverty is mutually reinforcing. According to the World Bank (1994:9) "Poverty is not only a problem of low incomes; rather, it is a multi-dimensional problem that includes low access to opportunities for developing human capital and to education."

Education enhances human capability and improves choices of the educated. The poverty reduction efforts through education will have their impact on the well being of children when they grow up since education improves their life chances. More importantly, education will have a positive and long-lasting impact on the next generation in obtaining increased and improved access to public provisions including education, health, employment opportunities and better living (Varghese, 1998:36-37)