The goal: universal education for all. Essentially, I do not think that this social problem requires a light bulb idea to be solved. I think the answer is in methods we already use. Through my research and critical thinking I have found that the following three things are necessary for education to reach all corners of the world.
1. Education must have value for everyone
2. World leaders need to be committed to the cause
3. Education must be accessible
1. Education is not highly valued in parts of the world. Children become caught in life cycles of poverty, drugs, illness etc. and never try to pursue education at all. However, by creating awareness of the positive impact one can gain from education this may create the will to learn that never before existed. Government, parents, and teachers lack motivation to care, learn and teach. Currently there are many programs, which visit remote areas of the world to EDUCATE people on HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, mosquitoes, etc. We need the issue of education to attract world leaders attention, to attract the medias attention and to attract every individual to want change.
2. Mentioned in my earlier post- Leadership Matters. Leaders (not strictly politicians) have influence and the money to provide quality education worldwide. Education is on the helping platform for tons of organizations, so why isn’t it on the governments? We are taking a step in the right direction with influential people like Barack Obama and Bill/Melinda Gates, whose foundation aims to tackle the lack of quality education. When our world leaders meet, we need to make sure Education is on the agenda. When funding cuts are made, we need to ensure Education doesn’t take a hit. Political commitment is key in change the state of the world’s education.
3. Education should be a right, not a privilege. It must be accessible to everyone from Alaska to the remote areas of Africa. Education must be free, there must be motivated and educated teachers, and the curriculum must accommodate any language barriers. Along with this we require school buildings and any books or courseware necessary to educate the students.
westbyz80 said,
June 15, 2009 @ 7:43 am
I really like your solutions….especially the part about leadership. I truly believe that if an example is set, then it can be followed. It’s important that there be some sort of guidance when dealing with something like this. So many times we see that there are brilliant ideas that never get off the ground because of the problem of planning and overseeing them. By having strong leaders, those ideas can be communicated more effectively and that means that the ideas and plans will actually come to fruition……good point!
almal4 said,
June 15, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
Thanks for your comment. I am glad you agree. Lack of leadership is truly trend in many of the world problems.
Mani Ebrahimi said,
June 15, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
I see your intentions for the solution proposed. I agree that universal access to education is very important, but I would like to know how it is that you plan to implement this solution? You provide relavent ideas, but your solution is lacking an implementation plan.
almal4 said,
June 15, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
As mentioned, i do not think the solution for universal education needs to be a light bulb idea. Many things are already happening to work towards its solution but lack a component (for example leadership). I will be posting Part 2 shortly with some implementation strategies.
My Solution: Part 2 « educate.the.world said,
June 15, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
[...] 15, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged education, solutions, UNESCO In my earlier post, i discussed the three factors i believe are needed to provide education for all. 1. Education must [...]