Why Education? Education is liberty from poverty, malnutrition, infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, inequality, and political corruption.
Education is the foundation of development.
For development to occur, an internal change must take place within individuals. Education allows that change to take place. Research shows that education may be one of the greatest yielding investments presented in developing countries.
The following are just some of the changes education brings about:
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROWTH:
Annual Per Capita: Every time high school educated women increase 1%, annual per capita income increases an average of 0.3% (One).
Human Capital: Most human capital is built up through education or training that increases a person’s economic productivity—that is, enables him or her to earn a higher income. In poor countries, each year of education enlarges an individual’s average earnings by 10%–20% (The World Bank EFA).
Financial Security: Mathematic, financial and economic classes give individuals common financial skills they may be used in personal small businesses as well as within the home.
Agriculture: Knowledge and skills to improve farming techniques are taught at school. Students learn about the use of fertilizer, new products, and other enhanced technology.
Environment: Schooling teaches people about their interactions with nature and the effects they may have upon their environment.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL GROWTH:
Societal Skills: Social cohesion, community participation, tolerance, and cultural identity are enhanced through education.
Equality: Equality between men and women as well as high-income and low-income individuals is promoted through education. A greater appreciation of one’s own potential and rights is attained.
Democracy: Education supports and gives the tools for citizens to be informed and participate in political issues.
Civil Societies and Political Stability: Education provides understanding and breaks communication barriers.
Spirit: Citizens become motivated and united through the hope education lends.
HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL GROWTH:
Mortality Rates: Studies show by educating girls for at least five years, child survival rates could increase up to 40%.
Sanitation: How to sanitize water, effectively clean dishes and clothing, and cook meat is taught in the classroom. Additionally the importance of designated urination locations and the disposal of spoiled food are taught. These teachings greatly improve health and reduce diseases.
Immunizations: Educated mothers are 50% more apt to immunize children than uneducated mothers.
Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS: When compared to individuals who finished no schooling, those who complete the equivalent of a middle school education are 7 times less likely to contract HIV. Furthermore, those with an elementary education are half as likely to contract HIV. Schools teach about infectious diseases and how to prevent passing them on.
Family Life: Women who are educated marry later; have greater prenatal care; and fewer children. Their kids have better survival rates and improved health and nutrition. Their children also have a greater likelihood of success is school.
Child Labor and Exploitation: The ILO has recognized basic education as the most effective way of preventing sexual exploitation and child labor. When children find themselves working instead of attending school, studies have found their health is damaged and social skills are impeded. This decreases the future earning power of individuals and perpetuates the circle of poverty: “low per capita income inhibits investment in human capital, slows productivity growth, and so prevents per capita income from increasing significantly.”
The importance of education is further illustrated in the education gap between developing and developed countries. In low-income countries 3.4% of GDP is devoted by governments to education while in middle-income countries 4.4% is given compared to high-income countries’ 5.6% of GDP (Beyond Economic Growth). In comparing these three economic types, education’s impact is undeniable. Education strengthens countries, improves societies and changes lives.
