TEMECULA, California — The new 2015 education report revealed that only a handful of developing countries reached their goal to establish quality education among its citizens, especially those living in poverty.
In 2000, a total of 164 governments from around the world made commitments to reach “Education for All” goals by 2015. There were six identifiable goals that included providing equal access to education for children, youths and even adults. Additionally, the goals were set in place to make sure that marginalized people can be reached; people who are living not only in poverty, but in conflict-affected areas such as Afghanistan, those living in rural areas and those living with a disability.
The 2015 education report released by UNESCO revealed that only one third of the countries who made commitments to improve education in 2000 reached their goal; that means more than 60 percent of nations did not meet their education development goals by the allotted time.
The report has recorded progress toward the Millennium Development Goals from the last 15 years; although there has been a substantial increase in global educational development, a large gap still remains. According to the report, only 50 percent of all nations reached their goal for universal education. Additionally, the report revealed that 38 percent of nations are nowhere near reaching education goal, especially for women, minorities and those who are marginalized.
For example, an estimated 70 percent of poor women living in Guinea have not received primary education, nor have they attended school; this percentage is significantly higher than poor men in the area.
If current rates subsist, by 2030 an estimated 50 percent of children living in developing nations will possess a lower secondary education.
The report should serve as a spark to end global poverty because there’s a known correlation between fighting poverty and receiving an education. The more educated individuals living in developing nations, the less likely they will remain in poverty. Education provides knowledge that can be translated into daily life.
An important step to ensuring global educational goals are reached is by making a more urgent demand on developing and implementing ways to improve access to education.
Providing equal access to quality education can bring developing nations closer to meeting global education goals, which will therefore help reduce poverty. Education and poverty works hand in hand, lack of education equals a higher rate of poverty while access to education leads to lower poverty rates.
Education for all is essential to reducing poverty because it empowers individuals and provides them with the necessary tools and skills to work in their environment. Additionally, education is a sustainable solution to poverty and provides opportunities for a better life. It’s not limited to what is learned in classrooms or books; it’s not only about reading and writing, but it’s about knowledge and critical thinking that can allow for a better understanding of the world. Ultimately, knowledge is power.
Those who do not have access to education most often fail to lead lives above poverty lines and have a difficult time seeking employment. This essentially contributes to their inability to escape or be lifted out of poverty. Ultimately, quality education is key to reducing poverty.
– Nada Sewidan
Sources: Global Partnership for Education, World Vision International
Photo: Flickr