CHANGING COURSE, TRANSFORMING EDUCATION.
Year in Year out, global thought leaders gather at various locations across the globe to discuss the Education Crisis and probable solutions. Some of these resolutions have performed well in revolutionizing the sector, others have not been as successful. It is however disturbing that some of these solutions are “One Size fits all” approaches to solving a Multi-Dimensional and geographically distinct Crisis.
We must become inclusive by bringing to the table, more leaders of thought, youth leaders and experts from all parts of the World especially the underrepresented regions of Africa and Asia. One peculiarity of these two continents is a Fast growing population and inadequate Educational infrastructure to cater for the fast growing population. More so, Africa is peculiar as she is home to over 20 Million out of school Children with National governments who are not committed to upscaling Education budgets or subsidizing Private Education. A scenario, I fondly term as “The ticking time bomb”. The ripple effects of not taking bold action today to salvage this Crisis will be adverse and off the charts in ten, twenty years from today. This is why I decided to initiate a Project tagged ‘EDUCONVO’- Education Conversations for Africans by Africans. A platform to seek real solutions, galvanize support and Unlock big change.
In Nigeria for instance, we have heard and indeed seen reports of Child Suicide Bombers who were brainwashed and used by Terrorists to cause mayhem; we failed those children and the many more who have died, been kidnapped and deprived of an Education. If we prioritize Early Childhood Education and develop workable and enforceable policies around it, we would ultimately avert a reoccurrence of the use of Innocent Children with bright Futures for Wicked Political/Religious statements.
We need more empathic and passionate Leaders to drive and champion the cause by chartering a course that does not only transform Education but one that transforms lives and restores hope to every Child, every Home and every Nation; Ultimately preserving tomorrow’s Leaders.
We must take time to see how we can be more inclusive especially for children with special needs and gifted children whilst we pledge to bettering the quality of Education we provide so that our young people can be globally competitive, innovative and meaningfully engaged for themselves and the good of all.
Written by Isagbah Chinedu Jesse, ESQ
Global Youth Ambassador(Nigeria) at Theirworld.
From Lagos, Nigeria.