There is a serious lack of affordable and quality education in developing countries today. Even though global school enrollment rates have increased over the past decade, 115 million children are still out of school in the Third World. Among children who start school, 150 million do not complete four years (Center for Global Development, 2004). For a nation to be successful, it must have a healthy, educated and productive population. Fundamental educational skills provide the basis for future learning, and education is an integral part of economic development. The problems related to education in developing countries are the same as those encountered in developed countries: overcrowded classes, poorly trained teachers and a lack of teaching materials (Blanc, 2013). Furthermore, third world schools are not public and free institutions. Many charge poor families exorbitant fees for registration and tuition. In addition to basic fees, families must also pay for food, uniforms, and school supplies (White, 2013). The amount of money a family might spend to educate a child can be prohibitive for those who need it most. Mark Epstein and Kristi Yuthas of the Stanford Social Innovation Review also argue that the Western educational model used in developing countries leaves students ill-prepared to deal with the realities of their situation (2012). In many poor countries, there is a lack of formal jobs and higher education institutes. Most students will return home and support themselves and their families through subsistence farming (Epstein & Yuthas, Winter 2012). The West's emphasis on academic skills does not help improve the situation for many students. There are many ways to improve ...... middle of document ...... e objectives, the EFA works with partners in NGOs and civil society. , regional aid agencies and national governments. Cooperation with organizations already working in the developing world is essential to the implementation of educational strategies. Overall, education systems in developing countries are improving slowly; although more work remains to be done. Combining increased funding with a life skills and health curriculum can bring drastic improvements in the lives of those who are able to attend and complete their education. Reducing costs and working to ensure free and universal education will encourage greater school enrollment. Education is vital to the future and continued success of developing countries. The developed world must come together for the future of the entire world. It is time to research and implement the interventions that will have the greatest social and economic impact for the poor..