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The rapid technological developments we are witnessing, together with the forces of globalization, are likely to lead to radical changes in the world of work. In fact, the changing nature of work is already perceptible in both urban centres and in rural communities. It follows, therefore, that human development, of which education is such a vital part, must keep in step with these societal changes if people are to lead productive, peaceful and satisfying lives.
Today’s world is one of rapid change in virtually all dimensions of life. The globalization of trade means that decisions in one country may have an impact on employment opportunities in another country where values and priorities are very different. Globalization of the labour market means that workers have greater mobility across borders, yet opportunities are not uniform from one country to another or in different segments of society within a given country. There is a greater need for specialized education and training, but in some countries, a tendency to cling to traditional priorities results in a shortage of workers in certain specialized fields. There is a widening gap between the rich and the poor, those who can seize opportunities and those who are marginalized, and those who have received an education and those who have not.
Not all children get the possibility to start the needed education. Over 265 million children are currently out of school and 22% of them are of primary school age (UN). Additionally, even the children who are attending schools are lacking basic skills in reading and math. In the past decade, major progress has been made towards increasing access to education at all levels and increasing enrollment rates in schools, particularly for women and girls. Basic literacy skills have improved tremendously, yet bolder efforts are needed to make even greater strides for achieving universal education goals. For example, the world has achieved equality in primary education between girls and boys, but few countries have achieved that target at all levels of education.
The reasons for lack of quality education are due to lack of adequately trained teachers, poor conditions of schools and equity issues related to opportunities provided to rural children. For quality education to be provided to the children of impoverished families, investment is needed in educational scholarships, teacher training workshops, school building and improvement of water and electricity access to schools.
Lucubrate Magazine August 2019
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