While the word education has many different meanings, the main concept is to shape a person’s character. It is similar to enculturation, which means to mold a person’s culture. Education guides a child to adopt a particular way of thinking and acting in adulthood, shaping the person’s character towards a particular role in society. Even though education is common in modern societies, many cultures have little or no formal learning. In such cultures, all activities and environments are viewed as schools and many adults are teachers.
The right to education
In a recent report, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education called for the state to provide more resources for free public education and emphasized the need for proper regulation of digital technologies. With the proliferation of such platforms, private actors have entered the educational field. Such actors should not be allowed to capture public resources. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur emphasized that public online learning platforms should be enhanced. In this regard, the right to education is not simply a human right but also a social good.
Article 26 of the Covenant posits that education is “indispensable for the free development of the human personality.” Section 27A of the Human Rights Act explicitly mentions the word “access” when referring to education. This language embodies the right to education at all levels, regardless of age, gender, and economic status. The right to education also includes the provision of religious and moral education, although private schooling must meet minimum educational standards set by law.
The social enterprise of education
The Social Enterprise of Education is an approach to education that seeks to reduce the cost of educating disadvantaged children in low-income communities. The Emmanuel Ivorgba Academy in Nigeria has been an example of this approach. Founded in 2000, the academy provides an alternative model of affordable education by teaching children about leadership skills alongside traditional classes. It has ambitious plans to expand its operations. This case study is not unique. It demonstrates the power of social enterprise thinking when applied to education.
To begin, consider the future of children. While there are many organizations fighting to improve education access, some platforms are working to change this. Companies like eBasta and Hippocampus are helping low-income communities gain access to quality education. Other social entrepreneurs are helping youth and children reach their full potential by creating innovative products. In addressing these problems, the Social Enterprise of Education must work together with government agencies, teachers, and other stakeholders.
The impact of COVID-19 on education
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education is still being assessed, but it may be in the form of additional learning losses in the spring of 2020. The number of countries showing evidence of COVID-19-related school closures is relatively small, and these are concentrated in the developed world. While these findings are not yet fully confirmed in developing countries, they show that school closures in these countries have not reduced the number of students in primary or secondary education.
The absence of schooling during the pandemic has led to significant disruptions in the education system. Out-of-school children are among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking basic skills such as reading and writing. They also lack the safety net of schooling, which places them at higher risk of poverty and exploitation. Pre-pandemic data showed that learning levels were already low in 32 countries, but COVID exacerbated this situation.
Alternatives to traditional education
While the traditional education system has its pros and cons, children no longer want it. In fact, most of today’s nontraditional education options are student-centered, dynamic learning environments that incorporate family and child preferences. In many cases, traditional schools simply do not match a child’s needs. Alternative schools understand this and design systems to address those needs. Parents are encouraged to look at the benefits of nontraditional education for their child and decide if it’s right for them.
One popular alternative is entrepreneurship. Many professionals begin their careers as apprentices. Apprentices earn money while learning from skilled mentors. After completing technical training, they can launch their careers. In some cases, an apprenticeship can be a direct college alternative for some. Entrepreneurship is another great alternative to traditional education. Many people start their own businesses and earn money doing so. However, this may not be an option for everyone. Regardless of the path, many successful entrepreneurs started their own ventures after completing their technical training.
