1000 bucks is a tremendous amount! There have been people that have turned it into prosperous businesses. But I can make the same argument and say just knowing how to read write and do math isnt enough in todays highly specialized/competitive economy You need skills that are in demand, that go above and beyond the basics. You need the highest education possible. Thats why I would require as a condition for these kids after basic reading/writing/math is to purchase a book on how to make more money. Ive lived on 0 dollars a month before, and let me tell you're not going to be learning how to read and write before you have some basic necessities covered. And the way that happens naturally is through the family. But if your family is extremely poor then the kid needs a basic income.