Poverty and social exclusion have a major impact on the cognitive development and educational attainments of children. Facing poverty in early childhood tends to affect school achievements, and can lead to a greater risk of exclusion and bullying at school, resulting in higher 'drop-out' rates from education. These effects can be seen not only in children from poorer families but also from disadvantaged groups, such as children with disabilities, ethnic minorities, immigrants and children in care.
Delegates from the partner cities met in Milan in September 2008 to discuss effective strategies and successful projects which increase educational attainment and reduce social exclusion amongst children and young people. Read more about the September 2008 event here.