Education is key to sustainable development

Lazarus Sauti

The ability for everyone to have equal opportunity in education, regardless of their social class, ethnic background or physical disabilities is an enabler of a knowledge-based economy.

A knowledge-based economy is a system in which knowledge is created, acquired, transmitted, and used more effectively by individuals, companies, and communities to promote economic and social development.

It relies on the use of ideas rather than physical abilities and on the application of technology rather than the exploitation of cheap labor.

Accordingly, the time is now right for all Africans to help improve education because it is a key contributor to the continent’s socio-economic growth.

Vice President of Zimbabwe, Joice Mujuru believes that youths should take education seriously and shun social vices that hinder them from attaining higher positions in life.

“The only tool that can empower any person for the challenges ahead is education and discipline is important in moulding focused youths,” she said.

VP Mujuru also urged the girl child to make good use of education opportunities and to be on top of the educational ladder.

She said: “As youths and being girl children, you can make good use of this opportunity given to you in a free Zimbabwe, and be at the top of the educational ladder.

“This means our future as Zimbabwe is bright.” 

Ultimately, education is the cornerstone of social upliftment and empowerment; the glue that binds together Africa’s social, economic, environmental and culturally efforts.

It is important to note that education, in every aspect, is one of the fundamental factors of development; it a key input to the advance of the continent’s economy and it enhances people’s understanding of themselves, the world and improves the quality of their lives.

Thus, Africa cannot achieve sustainable economic development without considerable investment in education.

Furthermore, education raises people’s productivity and creativity and also promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances.

For this, it plays a very crucial role in securing economic and social progress and improving income distribution.

Malcom X once said, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

Consequently, education is the very requirement on which the future success of Africa is predicated since a solid education enables a country’s equality aspirations and significantly raises its global competitiveness.

African countries need to work together to improve the quality of education, to make it effective and accessible to all.

This means that education must be inclusive.

Thus, the girl child should be supported as she contributes immensely to the development of the mother continent.

Mujuru explains, “Girl children are our future women leaders and we will continue giving you the necessary support.”

Africans therefore need to take responsibility and accountability in order to reach the level of edification that will accelerate economic growth.

Public spending on education in Africa should increase annually if the continent is to fully progress.

African governments need to hire enough teachers to match with number of scholars.

Honestly, learners need proper attention to perform better.

It is not god to only give free education but governments need also to make sure that learning process is going on for education to have a meaning.

In addition, African governments need to offer funds to schools for building extra classes and libraries to accommodate all students in order to avoid class shifts.

This will make work much easier for teachers in handling their students and understanding their needs and in the end students’ performances will be boosted.

Teaching is one of the noblest professions.

Therefore, African governments should meet teachers’ demands to enhance the education sector in the continent.

By motivating teachers, they will develop passion in their work; get motivated and will always want to have better products in the end; hence both teachers and students will gain a lot.

Political leaders in the continent must endorse and support information technology to assist learners in embracing e-learning.

Information technology is an effective tool that can enhance education in the continent and an efficient enabler of a knowledge-based economy.

African governments and development partners should also work hard to compliment the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s efforts to keep education high on the agenda.

UNESCO provides expertise to governments on reforming and rebuilding educational systems.

The organisation promotes literacy and education programs for all, throughout life and it coordinates operational projects in basic, secondary, technical, higher, distance and HIV/AIDS education.

Equity in educational resources should be considered as it ensures that all students get equal opportunities in education.

This boosts the performance of underprivileged learners.

When schools are well lit, ventilated, and well resourced, students will feel comfortable and this gives them conducive environment to study.

Corporations within the African countries should be actively involved in social investment programmes that have a clear purpose to contribute to both business and national goals.

The much needed improvement in education in the African continent will truly be realised when individuals, communities and organisations take accountability in partnership with government, in achieving regional, national and continental goals.

The future of Africa educationally lies in the hands of parents, development partners and political leaders.

Thus, providing good educational foundation to the youths can be a possible way to solving problems bedeviling the continent.