The Power of Education

posted: May 7, 2002

The New York Times

To the Editor:

Nicholas D. Kristof (column, May 7) challenges the belief that to combat terrorism, we must address widespread poverty and illiteracy. While today's terrorists are often well educated, they make up a small minority of the world's population.

More than a billion people survive on less than $1 a day. More than 100 million children are not in school, 60 percent of whom are girls. Lack of education leads to bigger families, greater poverty and poor health care.

In Afghanistan, the first priority of the country's interim government was to get children back in school. Today's Palestinian youth will be charged one day with leading their new nation, and education will be critical to their effort.

DIANA QUICK
New York, May 8, 2002

The writer is director of communications, Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children.