Education, which is the act of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, beliefs, and habits, can occur in formal or informal settings and can be self-directed or aided by others. Its purpose is to assist individuals in improving their skills and knowledge to enable them to lead productive and meaningful lives, and hence its core cannot be denied. It is a universal right that allows people to fulfil their full potential and actively participate in society. It is also a public good since it benefits both people and society, as well as a public obligation since governments must ensure that all citizens have access to education. With all of these variables at play, it is essential to regard education as a fundamental human right, a public good, and a public obligation. Education is vital for individual and societal growth, and its significance cannot be overemphasized.
For individuals and society to recognize the importance of advancing human rights and eliminating prejudice, as well as promoting gender equality, social cohesion, and poverty reduction, education must be promoted as a societal need and not a want. The nation’s economy is also heavily reliant on education, which must be prioritized because it contributes to the development of an informed and competent workforce, which is required for economic progress and social improvement. Under no circumstances should the importance of education as a right for the public good and of public responsibility be underestimated.
Despite its importance, access to education continues to be a difficulty for many individuals and communities worldwide. Children from underprivileged homes, particularly girls and children living in rural areas, are less likely to attend school and complete their education in many countries.
To respond to these concerns, governments must adopt a comprehensive and integrated strategy, such as investing in the establishment of high-quality education systems, giving enough resources to schools, and ensuring that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to education. This can be accomplished through programs that provide scholarships, stipends, and educational materials to poor and underprivileged students. Governments must also look into collaborating with communities and nongovernmental organizations, as well as working with parents and community leaders to promote the benefits of education while also encouraging private sector corporations to invest in education.
On this day, January 24, the Starlight Foundation joins forces with the United National General Assembly as it is proclaimed the International Day of Education, with this year’s theme being “Invest in people, prioritize education.” The Starlight Foundation Ghana and its partner Adamfo Ghana have been working to improve access to quality education in Ghana as well as ensure that street-connected children are reinstated in education. Through the “Menso Meka Ho Bi” initiative, we ensured reducing streetism through education, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. The primary objective of the “Menso Meka Ho Bi” initiative is to provide skills training, seed capital, and the necessary equipment to mothers of selected underprivileged, street-connected and vulnerable children to enable them to start a business and provide for their children when they are taken off the street and sent back to school, as well as enrol these children in our comprehensive scholarship scheme. We have also provided educational materials and resources to schools in rural areas, helping to bridge the gap between urban and rural education. Through projects such as “Let Her Know” and “Teach Them Young,” the Starlight Foundation Ghana has helped to improve access to quality education in Ghana and ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Education is a sector that requires the full engagement of all stakeholders, and as a foundation involved in the field, we are well aware of its challenges, which we would describe as onerous. We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all stakeholders and sponsors for their continuous support since education is a basic human right, a public benefit, and a public duty. It is essential for personal and societal development, the advancement of human rights, and the removal of prejudice.
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