Why Jamaica Needs To Invest In Education To Eradicate Poverty

Is being poor a crime? Irrespective of what you think, those who are actually suffering from poverty think that it is no less than a form of punishment which suffocates their potential for development. I know this for a fact that poverty can feel like a crippling and chronic state which not only affects your mind, but also your health and spirit.

A Disease Named Poverty

Let’s face it; poverty is a global condition that affects numerous people across different countries worldwide. In 2011, around 17 per cent of individuals residing in developing countries survived on or even below US$1.25 per day, according to data from the World Bank. This goes to show that 21 per cent of the global population, which is around 1.4 billion people, survive in excessive poverty. Shockingly, children and women comprise majority of the numbers who live daily in poverty. Is this acceptable?

Like most other developing nations, Jamaica is still struggling with issues related to drafting measures and removing poverty. As per the 2012 Survey of LivingConditions by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, over 500,000 Jamaicans (i.e. 1 out of every 5) are surviving below the poverty line. These figures are seriously striking and it is time for the government to take the necessary steps in order to continue sustainable development.

Is Education The Cure?

I believe, the primary solution to eradicate poverty is sufficient investment in education as it will liberate innumerable Jamaican families and allow them to break away from this cycle. It has already been observed that several children, who are brought up in poverty, start their schooling somewhat behind their wealthy classmates. Moreover, the 2014 National Education Inspectorate (NEI) report revealed that over 60 per cent of primary and secondary schools in Jamaica are unable to properly deliver quality education to the students. I agree that poverty should not be an excuse for failure, but the fact remains that it affects the mind and spirit of an individual which hampers his abilities to achieve success. Hence, it is important that we find a solution that will deliver world-class education at highly affordable rates from reputed institutions.

I think currently there is a strong need to provide excellent higher education and vocational training opportunities to the youth. An accredited degree will enable them to look for job opportunities in majors companies not only in Africa, but on a global level. If you ask me, the most feasible solution for aspiring learners and young professionals in different parts of Africa is to pursue affordable and quality postgraduate business education as it will give them the push they need to build a lucrative career.

An Affordable Way To Learn

But when I am talking about how poverty is affecting education, how can I even think about expensive business degrees? I am sure you are probably asking the same question; but the fact is I am not talking about pursuing business degrees from expensive B-schools. I am merely pointing out to the fact that now you can earn accredited and affordable business degrees from reputed global universities by studying online.

Yes...online business education is one of the most feasible solutions that will empower you to fight poverty, whether you are in Jamaica, Nigeria or anywhere in Africa. By studying a postgraduate business management diploma course online you will acquire necessary business skills and knowledge and drastically improve your employability. However, the best thing about online degrees is that they only cost a fraction of traditional full time business degrees offered by the leading B-schools. However with online learning, you can study the same high quality programmes provided by major universities at a more affordable manner.

Moreover, as many employers around the globe are now accepting online business degrees, you will be able to land your dream job by earning your degree, boosting your skills and improving your employability. This will help you take the first major step in the fight against poverty.

Is Amina Yusuf The New Malala Yousafzai?

Most of us know about or have at least heard about Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani women's rights and female education activist. She disobeyed the Taliban present in Pakistan and insisted that all girls in the country were allowed to access education. However, she was shot by the Taliban in the head, but managed to survive. Malala was honoured with the Nobel Prize because of her courage and her struggle at the age of 17. If you feel inspired by her story, then its time you learn about Amina Yusuf. Who is she? Read on....

Meet Nigeria’s Malala

Amina Yusuf is an 18 year old Nigerian activist and an advocator of education for the girl-child in Nigeria. Moreover, she also acts as a mentor for young girl students at the CGE (Center for Girls’ Education) in Nigeria. She was selected as one of the 5 girls to join the youngest Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, while she accepted the prize in Oslo, Norway.

The Center for Girls’ Education honoured Amina with a scholarship, in association with the Population and Reproductive Health Initiative, a partnership among The Bixby Centre, the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital. And the University of California, Berkeley. Currently Amina is determined to ensure that Nigerian girls get the right educational opportunities and she has vowed to keep moving forward with her efforts and address issues and challenges in Nigeria.

They Can’t Stop Amina

However, she admits that she is somewhat scared like other girl students in her country, especially after the Chibok abduction in April 2014. Amina said “I want world leaders to consider attacks on girls’ education. Insurgency in Nigeria means that there is fear in my community and fear for girls’ safety. Before now, we all thought that school was the safest place but now it’s scary. I’ve heard that many girls in boarding schools have been taken out by their parents or organisations for security reasons.”

She added “People are scared that their girls may be abducted too. I know that I’m scared too, but it won’t stop me from doing what I aspire to do. People weren’t able to stop Malala, and they can’t stop me.”

There’s Malala in Amina

Speaking about Malala Yousafzai, Amina Yusuf praised her efforts and said she is highly impressed by what Malala has achieved and how much progress have been accomplished by the Pakistani activist. Regarding her meeting with Malala in Oslo, she said “While I was there I realised that Malala’s award means that girls all over the world, including here in Nigeria, have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala’s voice is the voice of every girl in the world, and many girls tell me that because she invited me to join her in Oslo, they see Malala in me.”

Talking about her attempts, the Nigerian activist said that she has become a mentor at CGE “to give more girls opportunities. If it weren’t for that, maybe I would have been married off by my parents because they wouldn’t have been able to pay for my education.”

Amina added “I now mentor 15 girls, aged between 11 and 14, and assist one of the senior CGE mentors. My friends and all my younger brothers and sisters call me Malala now.”

What do you think about Amina Yusuf’s efforts? Can she improve the scenario for girl child education in Nigeria? Share your thoughts and opinions with us by commenting below.