O poder de reduzir a evasão e o abandono escolar | Ricardo Paes de Barros | TEDxNovaLima

Summary

This video script discusses the critical issue of youth education in Brazil, focusing on the challenges of ensuring that all young people aged 15-17 are enrolled in school. Despite past efforts and international commitments, the country has made little progress over the last 20 years, with a significant proportion of its youth still out of school. The speaker highlights the importance of education for both personal development and economic growth, emphasizing that Brazil must renew its commitment to education reform and learn from global best practices to address these issues and improve its education system.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their education experience in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of schooling for young people, particularly those aged 15 to 17.
• 😀 In 1988, half of Brazilian adolescents aged 15-17 were out of school, a problem that persisted for many years after the new constitution was adopted.
• 😀 By 2012, the situation seemed to improve with more young people attending school, but by 2015-2016, the number of students out of school increased again, showing stagnation in progress.
• 😀 Brazil has lagged behind other countries, with only 20% of the world's countries making greater progress in educating young people in this age group.
• 😀 Brazil's commitment to education is outlined in its constitution, national education plan, and international agreements like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but these commitments have not been fully realized.
• 😀 Education is seen as a tool to improve productivity and economic outcomes. The speaker compares the impact of educational investments on productivity in countries like Chile, Malaysia, and China.
• 😀 Brazil has failed to connect education with economic activity effectively, as the link between education and productivity is weak in the country.
• 😀 Completing high school in Brazil significantly increases income and improves various life outcomes, such as reduced fertility rates and better chances for future generations to complete education.
• 😀 Despite a commitment to education and various initiatives, Brazil is still struggling to put all young people in school. However, the country has implemented 135 different programs aiming to address this issue.
• 😀 The speaker calls for more targeted efforts and effective policies that can deliver real results, urging Brazil to learn from successful experiences abroad and adopt solutions that work.
• 😀 There is a pressing need for Brazil to refocus on its goal of universal education for young people, as promised in its constitution, and to make progress in reaching this goal by analyzing and improving existing efforts.

Q & A

What historical context is provided in the script regarding education in Brazil?

The script highlights that in 1988, Brazil's constitution made a promise to provide education for all young people, with half of the youth aged 15-17 being out of school at that time. Over the next decade, there was progress in increasing the proportion of young people in school, but significant setbacks occurred after 2012.

What is the current state of youth education in Brazil according to the speaker?

The speaker notes that despite efforts, today Brazil has approximately 1 in 5 youth aged 15-17 out of school, indicating little progress over the last 17 years. This stagnation contrasts with the progress made by many other countries, especially in Latin America.

How does Brazil compare to the rest of the world in terms of youth education?

Brazil is significantly behind other countries, with 80% of countries achieving better progress in getting their youth into school. In the script, it is emphasized that Brazil's efforts in education are insufficient when compared to the global and Latin American averages.

What international commitments has Brazil made regarding education?

Brazil has committed to global education goals, including those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that everyone has the right to education. Additionally, Brazil played a leading role in the 2015 global conference on education, advocating for universal access to quality education for all youth.

What does the Brazilian constitution say about education?

Article 208 of the Brazilian constitution states that every child and youth aged 4 to 17 should be in school, making education mandatory for this age group.

What is the relationship between education and productivity in Brazil?

The script explains that education leads to increased productivity, which in turn contributes to better living standards. However, in Brazil, the connection between education and economic activity is not as strong as in other countries, which hinders the full potential of educational investments.

How does education impact income and employment in Brazil?

The script demonstrates that completing high school in Brazil leads to significantly higher income and a greater chance of formal employment. Those who complete high school earn about double the income compared to those who do not, and they are more likely to secure formal jobs.

What is the impact of education on fertility rates in Brazil?

The speaker points out that completing high school also reduces fertility rates. For instance, someone with a high school diploma typically has fewer children by the age of 35 compared to those without it, thus affecting family planning and societal outcomes.

What programs and efforts are being made to address the education gap in Brazil?

The script highlights 135 government and civil society programs that aim to keep young people in school. These initiatives include efforts at the state and municipal levels, as well as societal efforts to improve education access.

What does the speaker suggest is necessary to improve the education system in Brazil?

The speaker calls for a shift in focus towards policies that not only show commitment but also achieve results. They suggest analyzing the 135 existing programs to identify the most effective solutions, copying successful global practices, and prioritizing policies that ensure more youth are enrolled in school.