RAYMART A.

PAJES 08/04/2021

Survey of Afro-Asian Literature Ma’am Lesley Ann Liquiran

Education is essential

In the article entitled “Africa grapples with huge disparities in education” in which it
emphasized the importance of education as it stated “Quality education is key to social mobility
and can thus help reduce poverty, although it may not necessarily reduce [income] inequality.”

In life, we have this saying “Education is the key to success” which reminds of the
importance of education in achieving success. It gives an edge to people by sharpening their mind
and thinking. It helps the students to develop abilities and skills necessary for their personal
satisfaction and for survival in the community. Additionally, education develops one’s ability,
personality, and thoughts. It preps one for future generation endeavor.

In line this with this matter, many countries treat this issue as one of the most important
things they should consider. In the Philippines, as of May 15 2013, implemented K to 12 program
to get along with the demands and trends of quality education, aiming to produce to be globally
competitive students. Also, the essence of education can be evidently seen there as several jobs
require high educational attainment for a Filipino to be hired. Hence, the Philippine government
considered this matter to take an action and shifted to K to 12 curriculum.

On the other note, Africa, one of the poor countries all over the world, and its education is
affected, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (UNESCO). According to Compassion in Jesus’ name,
“This is caused by external factors, but not limited to: lack of shelter; limited access to clean water
resources; food insecurity; lack of access to health care; government corruption; poor
infrastructure; and limited or dwindling natural resources. And internal factors which are and are
as follows: knowledge; aspiration; diligence; values; self-confidence; and self-esteem”. In regard
to this matter, African leaders prioritized education as part of government agendas. They
maintained primary universal education, aiming to lift the country from abject poverty. As a result,
Africa’s current primary school enrolment rate is above 80% on average than before (UNESCO).

However, in spite of its good result, inequalities and inefficiencies remain critical sectors.
The enrolment masks huge disparities and system dysfunctionalities and inefficiencies in
education subsectors such as preprimary, technical, vocational and informal education, which are
considered to be severely underdeveloped. So, Africans suffer from low teaching and learning
process. Also, they take a look that these inequalities are the results of unequal distribution of
essential facilities, such as schools.

To address these problems, the government invests heavily in child and youth
development through appropriate education and health policies and programs. In higher
education, the government increases the distribution of skilled workers, and state authorities so
youth regardless of state and gender are given an equal chance to study. It really addresses the
need of country for good education and appropriate skills training to stem rising unemployment,
aiming to meet the relevant skills for labor for poverty eradication.

Moreover, I’m amazed with the intervention made by African to address the problem of
education. The government targets to change the education – its system and quality to address
the inequalities and inefficiencies. Their hope and power in changing the education are persuaded
me that education has connection to country’s success. Likewise, as a student, I should treat
education as substantial factor along the journey of success. Because, nowadays, in the
Philippines, educational attainment really matters.