Abstract:

This paper examines the importance of education to enable economic development in Brazil. A study by FGV Social (2021) revealed that Brazil's poverty levels increased due to the global health crisis. The study indicates that in 2021, 62.9 million Brazilians – representing approximately 29.6% of the country's population had a monthly per capita income of up to R$497 - less than 100 USD. Poverty levels peaked in the country due to the pandemic, dramatically affecting women and children. A report from UNESCO (2014) indicated that education is critical in escaping poverty, particularly chronic poverty. Moreover, rural areas are identified as being particularly vulnerable and facing significant difficulties in raising levels of education, and as such, it becomes quite challenging to break the poverty cycle. In the context of economic development and sustainability, it is essential to understand the role played by primary education in less developed economies and how it can contribute to breaking the vicious circle of poverty, exclusion, discrimination and marginalisation. As such, this study focuses on one of Brazil's poorest regions – the Turmalina municipality in the state of Minas Gerais, located in the Jequitinhonha Valley (also known as valley of misery) in the Southeastern region of Brazil. This study will examine the needs of the municipality's 13 primary schools, the challenges faced in providing children with quality education, and its importance in enabling sustainable economic development.

Keywords:

Primary Education, Economic Development, Inequality, Sustainability, Poverty, Inclusion.