Reforming Africa Through Education

“Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children” – Walter Elias Disney

I have been educated in one of the most reputed schools and an excellent university, thus comprehend the significance and the usefulness of quality education. If asked a question that “what in your opinion is the key to resolve all the social evils and issues worldwide?”, my answer indubitably would be “Education”. Education not only provides you with a propensity to succor yourself and prepare you to earn the desired living. But it also earns you the social status and respect that every human being strongly desires for. If you talk about the education system in the African continent, then the current scenario and the figures would surely be like a “bone chilling shock therapy” to you. The appalling reality is that the education system in Africa is in a horrendous state at present. However, there certainly are many more issues and concerns which contribute to the poor education system such as the paucity of good infrastructure, sanitation, poverty and well qualified teachers, etc. According to a study done by the Brooking Center for Universal Education, it was found that only half of sub-Saharan Africa’s 128 million school-aged children attending school are likely to acquire basic skills required for them to live healthy and productive life.

It is said that children and youth are the back bone of a country. Being educated is not only a valuable asset for the society, but also a standard of an ideal citizen. Education plays a critical role in nurturing a child and molding his behavior and character. Education is a fundamental right of each and every individual. It shouldn’t be limited only to the specific gentry of society. The lack of schooling and poor education have negative effects on the population and country. The children leave school without having acquired the basics, which greatly impedes the social and economic development of these countries.