Everyone went to school, made friends, pulled pranks, shared lunches, and studied the mathematics behind paper crumples... right? Believe it or not, that’s far from the case.UNESCO has recorded a staggering number of 250 million out-of-school children.
Hardly a flickering flame is needed to shed light on this case! Amidst conflict, gender inequality, child labour, exclusion of children with disabilities and health issues, the fantasy of out-of-school children has become a long-established reality.
Yet times of crisis are followed by victory, spearheaded by working minds of every kind. People inspired to right wrongs all across the world, united as global citizens are striving to attain Universal compulsory education. Children are lamps that have the potential to radiate light, yet to do so, they must be lit. The right to education is paralleled by a sense of responsibility prevailing from governments, societies, families, and children ( the protagonists of change ) themselves. Let’s branch out the subject and delve deeper into the matter to have a keener understanding.
THREE BRANCHES IN A COHERENT WHOLE
It is primordial that sons and daughters are trained in the art of reading and writing. Ignorance and a lack of education are the only barriers to separation among mankind. Through initiatives to freely educate all children, mutual understanding will be strengthened, and social disparities bridged.Three parts contribute to true education as a whole, namely: spiritual, social, and intellectual education.
The former is concerned with the moral development of a child and emphasises that:
"Good behavior and high moral character must come first for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will prove injurious" - The Bahai faith
From a young age, children should learn to develop the virtues inherent within them, such as Truthfulness, generosity, humility, and love. Furthermore, the following quote might bring forth a new perspective
" Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its true potential and enable mankind to benefit therefrom " - Baha’u’llah
Evidently, education is the key! What's more is that when children become adolescents, they enter a phase of physical and mental change, and just imagine how they awaken to their senses and discover the latent talents they are endowed with!
The period of youth is 'the divine springtime' of human lives, where youth are characterised by strength and vigour and inspired by brilliant motives. They are distinguished by their acute sense of justice and strive to become fearless lions walking in the pastures of human perfection.
Next, social education is the manifestation of applied knowledge. It can take the form of voluntary classes held for children in a neighbourhood or junior youth empowerment programs where they understand that when they make efforts, doors open. Where they learn how to draw on the power of the word and raise their voices in great assemblies. Where they figure out how to order their thoughts, navigate their emotions, and translate them into action. Even organizing literacy and numeracy programs! What about community service projects and environmental lean-ups? I mean... what happened to simply planting a flower? These are all means to contribute to an ever-advancing civilization.
We have a two-fold moral purpose. 1. To take charge of our own intellectual and spiritual growth 2. To contribute to the transformation of society These two aims complement each other, for a person's moral standards shape his or her environment and, in turn, are moulded by the structure of society. Hence, they should not be viewed as dichotomies in our lives but as integrated parts of our learning.
Last, academic education leads to mushrooming innovations and discoveries as well as a firm mental foundation. The education systems of the world would exploit the full potential of students if they create environments that are conducive to healthy holistic learning. Also, brimming with creativity and inclusion irrespective of gender, race or social milieu. Encouraging teamwork as well as fostering self-learning with the well-calculated benefits of AI.
Undoubtedly, it will greatly enhance the academic journey. Plus, since the arts and sciences are deeply rooted within us, we must ensure that these channels are at every child’s arm’s reach and they use this power to effectively convey their ideas.
I believe that there is a big and clear-cut difference between a mind that is broad, profound and penetrating and a trained brain driven by ambition and vanities. The wisdom of students must be sharpened alongside their growing material powers so that they mature to make the choicest choice. A life-changing choice. When children are exposed to and can master the three forms of education, the result is light upon light.
GLOBAL GOALS
Quality education is a goal for sustainable development out of a list of 17.
It aims to contribute to progressive societies, and its targets stand as clear proof of the actions taken.
Let’s have a quick look at the targets:
1. Free primary and secondary education
2. Equal access to quality pre-primary education
3. Equal access to affordable technical, vocational and higher education
4. Increase the number of people with relevant skills for financial success
5. Eliminate all discrimination in education
6. Universal literacy and numeracy
7. Education for sustainable development and global citizenship
8. Build and upgrade inclusive and safe schools
9. Expand higher education scholarships for developing countries
10. Increase the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries
ARISING FROM THE GRASSROOTS
Numerous schools have already started adopting these initiatives and infusing them into the daily habits of children and youth.
Nur university, Santa Cruz, Bolivia Founded in 1985, it is motivated by the need for trained professionals who could contribute to the development of the country. On top of that, women compose 43% of the student body!
The institution’s specialised programmes for training in moral leadership spread over 400 rural communities in Bolivia and beyond to over a dozen in Latin American countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, and Honduras ADCAM, Brazil, is an NGO established for the coherent development of the Amazon as well as dedication to education development of the rural and economically depressed urban areas of the Amazon state.
It offers a formal programme for the Indigenous people to continue their education in the fields of rural production! The cheerful Banani school in Lusaka, Zambia, will surely add a spring to your step!
Even the Rabbani school in Madhya Pradesh, India, encourages the ethos of education combined with service to the community at large. This is reflected through continued service to nearby villages, establishment of village primary schools, literacy programmes, community health initiatives and commercial forestry
Collective awareness and a sense of purpose, translated into deeds, will concretise Universal Compulsory Education.
"Knowledge is as wings to a man’s life and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone" Bahaullah, epistle to the son of the wolf
I strongly believe that we can all pitch in and serve humanity in various ways.
Teaching a person, reflecting with a group, planning with a community, or building with a society are all means to achieve this shared world-embracing vision.
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