Quality Education for All | Iteoluwakishi Adebayo | TEDxYouth@MeadowHallLekki

Summary

The script addresses the global issue of illiteracy, with 745.1 million adults and millions of children lacking access to education. It emphasizes the multifaceted barriers to education, such as financial constraints, lack of schools, and child labor. The concept of 'quality education' is explored beyond academic achievement, highlighting the holistic development of students. The speaker shares a personal experience teaching in a disadvantaged school in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of education and the desire of children to learn despite inadequate opportunities. The script calls for collective action to ensure quality education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and societal progress.

Takeaways

• 📚 In 2015, the number of illiterate adults globally was 745.1 million, highlighting a significant educational gap.
• 🌍 Over 59 million primary school-age children and nearly 65 million adolescents worldwide are denied access to education.
• 🏫 Reasons for lack of education include financial constraints, lack of local schools, and the need for children to work to support their families.
• 💭 'Quality education' is a broad term that goes beyond just academic excellence, focusing on the holistic development of students.
• 🌟 According to ASCD, quality education should address the social, emotional, mental, physical, and cognitive development of every child.
• 👦 The speaker's early volunteer experience in Nigeria revealed the harsh realities of inadequate educational systems and the profound desire of children to learn.
• 🔢 Approximately 670 million youth worldwide lack basic math and literacy skills, indicating a crisis in educational access and quality.
• 🌐 The UN emphasizes that education is crucial for socioeconomic mobility and escaping poverty, yet many families must choose between education and basic needs.
• 💼 Global efforts, such as abolishing school fees in sub-Saharan Africa, have increased school completion rates but more needs to be done to match global standards.
• 🏛️ Three key pillars of quality education are access to quality teachers, quality learning tools and professional development, and safe, supportive learning environments.
• 🤝 Achieving quality education requires a collaborative effort from governments, the private sector, corporate organizations, and citizens, with awareness and action being the first steps.

Q & A

What was the total number of illiterate adults in 2015?

In 2015, the total number of illiterate adults reached 745.1 million.

How does the number of illiterate adults compare to the population of Egypt?

The number of illiterate adults, 745.1 million, is more than twice the population of Egypt.

What is the global situation regarding children's access to primary and secondary education?

Around the world, 59 million children of primary school age are being denied an education, and almost 65 million adolescents lack access to secondary school.

What are the three main reasons children might not have access to education as mentioned in the script?

The three main reasons children might not have access to education are: 1) they might not have the means to pay for their education, 2) there isn’t a school in their neighborhood, and 3) they have to participate in vocational or labor activities to bring income into the family.

What does the term 'quality education' generally refer to in everyday conversations?

In everyday conversations, 'quality education' is often associated with excellent schools or educational institutions that produce brilliant results and have a high number of graduates.

According to ASCD, what does quality education focus on?

According to the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), quality education focuses on the whole child, including the social, emotional, mental, physical, and cognitive development of each student, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.

What was the speaker's experience teaching at a primary school in Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria?

The speaker volunteered to teach at a primary school in Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria, at the age of ten. The school was in a dilapidated environment, and the experience was eye-opening and transformative, exposing the speaker to the realities of the poor education system and the joy children have for learning.

Why do some children work in shops or hawk on the streets instead of attending school?

Some children work in shops or hawk on the streets instead of attending school because their families live in poverty and have to choose between sending their children to school or paying for basic necessities, often opting for the latter.

What does the United Nations say about the role of education in escaping poverty?

The United Nations states that education enables upward socioeconomic mobility and is a key to escaping poverty.

What are the three key pillars that support quality education according to the script?

The three key pillars that support quality education are: 1) access to quality teachers, 2) use of quality learning tools and professional development, including access to technology, and 3) the establishment of safe, and supportive quality learning environments.

Who are the stakeholders mentioned in the script that have a role in achieving quality education?

The stakeholders mentioned in the script that have a role in achieving quality education include governments, the private sector, corporate organizations, and all citizens.

What did Desmond Tutu say about the importance of inclusive, good-quality education?

Desmond Tutu said that inclusive, good-quality education is the foundation for dynamic and equitable societies.