WHY QUALITY EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL
“What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul.” -Joseph Addison, 1711.
“Often slow and unseen, there is a crisis in education – one of equity and inclusion, quality and relevance – which is having a devastating impact on the futures of children and youth worldwide. In the face of escalating climate change, democratic erosion, persistent inequalities, growing discrimination, hate speech, violence, and conflict on a global scale, education emerges as a powerful tool to both address and prevent these challenges in the future. Moreover, when effectively shaped and implemented, education becomes a long-term investment with increasing returns.” - United Nations website.
A good education is very important. In the Holy Scriptures, for example, we are strongly encouraged to acquire wisdom. In Proverbs Chapter 3, Verse 21 [b] we read: “Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability.” Also, Proverbs 4:7 says: “Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, and with all you acquire, acquire understanding.”
Wisdom implies a breadth of knowledge and a depth of understanding. Understanding adds strength to wisdom, contributing greatly to a person’s discretion and foresight, which are also notable characteristics of wisdom. The Biblical sense of wisdom lays emphasis on sound judgment, based on knowledge and understanding; the ability to use knowledge and understanding successfully to solve problems, avoid or avert dangers, attain certain goals, or counsel others in doing so.
Education is closely related to wisdom and understanding in the sense that education involves the gradual process of acquiring knowledge and understanding. Education holds the key to a better life. A good education prepares people to cope successfully with life in today’s society. It equips them with academic skills, including the ability to read and write well and to do arithmetic. Moreover, it affects their interaction with others and helps them build up wholesome standards of morality. Also, as human society becomes even more complex, a good education takes on greater importance. Everyone deserves to be properly equipped with the necessary skills required for them to function effectively in the world.
In earliest society, the family was the basic unit for imparting education. The father was the head of the family and was therefore responsible for the education of his household. Today, parents continue to be the primary ones responsible for the education of their children, especially their early education. However, in some areas today, parents sometimes send their sons to school but not their daughters. Perhaps some parents think that it is too expensive to educate their daughters and believe that girls can be more useful to their mother by staying at home all day.