 While
measured poverty rates are lower in the Middle
East and North Africa than in any other region
in the developing world, nearly 30 percent of
the region's population lives on less than two
dollars a day. Moreover, countries in the region
have experienced unprecedented demographic
growth. These facts have had a profound impact
on children - the most vulnerable group of a
society. The population of the Middle East and
North Africa reached 300 million in 2001, of
which about half were under the age of 18 years.
Over 60 percent of these children now live in
urban areas where poverty levels are
significant. To avoid irreversible losses in
human capital, public support of basic education
should be coordinated with policies that enhance
growth and reduce poverty.
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