Sending money home for education?
Remittances are sent abroad for many reasons, ranging from basic necessities to medical bills. One of the most prominent and important reasons for many migrants sending money back home is for education.
Current data from the World Bank shows that there are over 63 million children worldwide who are deprived of primary education because their families lack the funds to support it.
Sending remittances for education supports not just children receiving primary education, but adults too. Every year, a large number of migrants are responsible for the education not just of their own children, but nieces, nephews, friends, and other community members.
It’s a long term commitment and requires being able to regularly send money without worry. These regular contributions ensure that the beneficiary doesn’t drop out of the education system, or miss out on crucial supplies like textbooks or stationery.
WorldRemit Content Team
• 2 mins read • Updated
How do remittances help with education?
School fees can be one of the biggest barriers in accessing education, particularly in certain parts of the world. Many African countries introduced school fees in the 1980s and as a result, poorer families struggled to afford sending their children to school.
Education, even without fees, often comes with its own expenses such as uniforms or transportation to and from school. With the help of remittances from abroad, the pressure on families to meet these costs is reduced. This means that, in some instances, there’s more flexibility to afford upgraded stationery or supplies, new uniforms, and even accommodation.
Learning in the time of Covid-19 also presented the new challenge of online learning; having access to a computer and the internet is even more crucial than ever before. Thanks to remittances, many children were able to continue learning throughout the pandemic on newer technology or even just a better internet service connection.
We spoke to a few customers who sent money back home for educational purposes, and the overwhelming majority said that it was their belief that supporting beneficiaries through education would give them a better chance in life. Being able to provide access to an education for their family and loved ones also means providing them with more opportunities - opportunities that many customers hope will one day pull them out of poverty for good.
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." CAN, Nigeria
Key facts about remittances for education
To reiterate remittances for education need to be sent on a regular basis. There is a general trend of sending remittances monthly, usually for costs such as rent on student housing or simply a monthly allowance, or quarterly for payment of tuition fees.
However, a 2019 study by UNESCO tells us that the back to school period between August and September shows an increase in the number of remittances sent and in value.
Spending during the back to school period usually contributes towards new clothing and/or school uniforms, new or updated textbooks, stationery, and other school supplies such as laptops or tablets.
Unless the money is being sent to an adult for their own learning, remittances for education often go to a designated parent or guardian.
Tertiary education is the most expensive. Money is most often sent to help beneficiaries achieve a college or university degree, or gain a diploma in a vocational course, which in turn will afford them more job opportunities.
Most senders providing money for educational purposes are those who moved abroad for ‘better’ opportunities and want to provide the same for their families and loved ones.
How can WorldRemit help?
For peace of mind when sending money abroad for such an important cause, WorldRemit is here. Time is of the essence for getting your money where it needs to be, so we do our best to get it there as quickly as possible - 90% of our transactions are completed in minutes.
We’re always upfront about our rates and fees so that there are no hidden costs, and we also offer a range of send and receive options for your convenience. You can send a direct bank transfer, mobile money, airtime top up, or cash for pickup at a physical location.
Download our app to send on the go with no queuing, or easily send through our website.
Back to homeWorldRemit allows customers to stay connected and support their loved ones. Our Content Team plays an integral part in that. We celebrate the global community and help you to achieve your ambitions.
