Should the EMA be scrapped or did it improve prospects?

The EMA was introduced to encourage those from low income families to remain at school longer and achieve better qualifications which in turn should improve employment prospects. However, there are those that believe that education is not only a right but a privilege. With millions of children stuck in poverty globally who live in desperate hope of a decent education, and wouldn't dare dream about being paid to attend school, should we be paying £0.5 Billion a year extra on our education bill? Whatever your views this is certainly a hot potato at the moment and we'd love to hear you views.....