MADRID, Spain — A lack of quality education can deprive people of achieving development in the future. Access to public education is a human right and should be prioritized by governments worldwide. Initiatives, such as Resolution 240 and the Global Partnership for Education, support quality education for all children.
The Importance of Education
Having access to quality education is essential when considering someone’s future. Individuals with an academic background can contribute to families, communities and the economy. Schools also create a safe and inclusive environment for students to freely express their opinions and learn from others. In addition, education creates more employment opportunities. A proper educational background makes an individual stand out from other applicants when applying for a job. Quality education often transforms people’s lifestyles and reduces poverty by increasing knowledge about the world and developing marketable skills.
According to UNESCO, “education transforms lives.” Improving education rates is one of the most critical sustainable development goals to meet for the 2030 agenda. UNESCO believes education should be a human right for everyone. The lack of access to education should not deprive people of basic needs, such as future employment opportunities. Reducing poverty and increasing access to education also means closing the gap between gender disparity, decreasing HIV infection and empowering women.
Senate Resolution 240
The United States has expressed concern for public education and improving learning outcomes for children, especially girls. With this, Senator Cory Booker introduced a resolution affirming the role of the United Nations to enhance quality education for every citizen as it is deemed a human right. In addition, Congress states that improving education leads to inclusion in the country and will lift individuals out of poverty through Global Partnership for Education.
Education connects individuals and bridges differences between people. Communication and access to education transform nations and widen the horizons of citizens in low-income countries. Moreover, education turns weaknesses into strengths. Quality education broadens the opportunities for an individual to escape poverty traps by offering employable skills and knowledge to make an income. The resolution emphasizes that education “advances economic prosperity” in countries. According to Resolution 240, “The United Nations reported that 1,600,000,000 learners in more than 190 countries were affected by the closure of educational institutions at the peak of the COVID–19 pandemic.”
Education in Low-Income Countries
The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted education internationally. Many children and adolescents could no longer go to school because of the pandemic. The economic crisis impacted families worldwide, creating a high volume of dropouts in school. The World Bank reported, “53% of children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read and understand a simple story by the end of primary school.” This number goes up to 80% in lower-income countries. Resolution 240 aims to improve access to quality education for impoverished and marginalized children and adolescents around the world. The United States recognizes the need for bilateral investment in developing countries to increase quality education for all.
Global Partnership for Education
Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is a global fund that aims to transform education in low-income countries. GPE delivers quality education to support every child on future paths. The organization believes that education is a human right and should be accessible and inclusive to all. GPE also prioritizes gender equality and hopes to give girls equal chances as boys in education opportunities.
Currently, Resolution 240 is waiting on further action. Sen. Booker, with support from Sen. Rubio, introduced the resolution on May 26, 2021. With initiatives set to enhance learning outcomes in low-income countries, children will receive the tools necessary to become self-reliant. Educating the youth will decrease global poverty rates and provide hope to improve the lives of billions of people around the world.
– Ainara Ruano
Photo: Wikimedia
