In the Western World, it’s commonplace to take your education for granted because it’s something we’re accustomed to, and it’s handed to us the minute we are born for free (until University of course). Most of us, thankfully, are lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn in the school environment and experience the benefits of having so. But not all of us are so lucky, and I don’t think enough of us are aware of just how privileged we are.
I see at least one tweet or one facebook post every single day from a young person telling their following about how much they either do not like school, or are not looking forward to going back to school or somewhere along those lines. There is always that one group of people who think they know best and enjoy criticising the school system (which agreed isn’t perfect but what/who is?) and complain about the extent of homework or how challenging the work itself is. These factors can be flawed and there is always room for improvement, but ultimately these are given for the best of the student. It’s a competitive world out there, and school is the first introduction to children about what needs to be learnt, and knowing this and doing it well will give you advantages. School also teaches tremendous work ethic and what it means to work hard and be passionate about what you’re doing. This will also benefit you throughout your life.
What’s important to remember is that Sixty Two million girls alone in the world do not have access to education for a variety of reasons, it could be because of cost or lack of sources or because women are not allowed to be educated in their Country. There is a monstrous amount of educational inequality in countries such as India, Cambodia, Pakistan, Egypt, Guatemala and dozens more who prevent young girls from learning. Social Activist Malala Yousafzai made headlines in 2012 when she took a bullet to the head by the Taliban for protesting her right to an Education, which was not given to her when she was just fifteen years old. In Afghanistan, only 40% of girls attend Elementary school and then only one in twenty attend beyond the sixth grade.
Combining boys and girls together, more than seventy two million children around the world are without an education. In Nepal, only 7% of students make it to the seventh grade because most children are needed for work to contribute to the family income. The most affected region is Sub-Saharan Africa, where 50% of children receive an education for a period of two years or less and thirty two million children of primary school age remain uneducated. This lack of education is predominately caused by Marginalisation and Poverty, which stems from inequalities that derive in sex, health and cultural identity.
Education is a basic human right and it is a vital tool for sparking social change. Also, if more children had access to education that would improve rates of those becoming doctors and nurses, which can improve international health and cause economic growth. For those of us who were fortuitous enough to receive that education, we should not only be appreciative but also encourage ourselves to work hard so we can have the power to make a change for the millions in the world who don’t. After all, there are those who would die for the chance to learn but they were born into limiting circumstances through no fault of their own.
I’m not saying you can enjoy every day at school, or routinely feel guilt for your privilege because it’s as equally not your fault as it is theirs. But next time you go into class you should look around and think about the unfortunate kids in Nepal or Pakistan and be thankful for the hand you have been dealt. The power of knowledge is the most powerful thing you can obtain.
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world” – Malala Yousafzai
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