Why is education important to meet human needs?
- To the individual: Access to education is crucial for individuals to fully exercise their rights to participate in political and cultural life, to enjoy good health and well-being, to work and earn a living, and to live free from discrimination and oppression. Education provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to understand and assert their rights and to participate fully in society. Moreover, education is essential to allow each person to reach their full potential.
- To society: Education can help reduce poverty and inequality by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to access better-paying jobs and improve their quality of life, which can further promote social mobility and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. In many developing countries, education is seen as a key factor in promoting economic development. Governments invest in education to help reduce poverty, promote economic growth, and create a more equitable society. It would benefit the whole society because inequality harms everyone, not just people at the bottom.
Current status of global education
- A key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a global framework for sustainable development, include education goals and aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
- Unequal distribution within the U.S. border
The issue of race and inequality in education is complex and multifaceted in the United States. Historically, people of color have faced significant barriers to accessing quality education, which has led to persistent disparities in educational attainment, employment opportunities, and economic outcomes. One of the most significant factors contributing to racial inequality in education is persistent funding disparities between schools in low-income neighborhoods, which are disproportionately populated by students of color, and those in wealthier communities. These disparities make it more difficult for schools in low-income areas to provide students with the resources and support they need to succeed academically. Additionally, people of color are more likely to experience poverty, which can have a negative impact on educational outcomes. Children growing up in poverty face a range of challenges that can impede their ability to succeed in school, such as inadequate nutrition, unstable housing, and a lack of access to health care.
- Unequal distribution across countries
Inequality of education is not just a problem in the United States, but is a global issue affecting millions of people around the world. While many countries have made significant strides in expanding access to education over the past few decades, there are still significant disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. One of the key factors contributing to global inequality of education is poverty. Children growing up in poverty are more likely to face barriers to accessing quality education, such as a lack of resources, inadequate facilities, and a lack of qualified teachers. This is particularly true in low-income countries, where schools may lack basic infrastructure such as textbooks, desks, and even electricity. In addition to poverty, other factors that contribute to global educational inequality include gender, ethnicity, and disability. Girls, for example, are less likely to attend school than boys in many parts of the world, particularly in countries with deeply entrenched gender norms. Ethnic minorities, particularly in countries with significant ethnic tensions or conflict, may also face barriers to accessing quality education. Similarly, children with disabilities may have limited access to schools that are equipped to meet their needs.
- Worsening situation due to Covid-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted and exacerbated global inequality of education, as school closures and disruptions have disproportionately affected children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many children, particularly those in low-income countries, have been unable to access remote learning opportunities due to a lack of technology or internet access.
- Persisting knowledge colonialism
In the context of education, knowledge colonialism can manifest in various ways, such as through the imposition of Western-style curricula, pedagogies, and assessment methods in schools, colleges, and universities. This often results in the devaluation and exclusion of local and indigenous knowledge systems, which are not recognized or validated as legitimate forms of knowledge. Knowledge colonialism can have profound impacts on the cultural, linguistic, and intellectual identities of marginalized groups. It can perpetuate inequalities, undermine cultural diversity, and erode the self-esteem and confidence of students who are not represented in the mainstream curriculum.
Education resources in Middlebury
One of the highlights of the education system in Middlebury is Middlebury College. The college is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, and it provides students with a rigorous and challenging academic environment. The college also has a number of resources and programs that benefit the town, including lectures, performances, and community outreach initiatives.
In addition to Middlebury College, the town has a strong education system with a variety of options for students of all ages. For younger students, Middlebury has several elementary schools, including Mary Hogan Elementary School and Middlebury Elementary School. Middlebury Union Middle School serves students in grades 7-8, and Middlebury Union High School serves students in grades 9-12. In addition to public schools, Middlebury has several private schools, including the Vermont International Academy and the North Branch School. These schools offer a variety of educational philosophies and curricula, providing families with a range of options to choose from.
For adults who are interested in continuing their education, Middlebury offers a few options as well. Middlebury College offers graduate degrees in English and foreign languages. There are also Elderly Services, Inc. College, several Science Pub offerings through the year, and lectures open to the community at the College. The town also has a community college, the Community College of Vermont, which offers associate degree programs and continuing education courses.
Bouchrika, Imed. 2023. “Why Is Education Important to Individuals and Societies?” Research.Com. February 27, 2023. https://research.com/education/why-is-education-important.
Dynarski, Susan. 2016. “Why American Schools Are Even More Unequal Than We Thought.” The New York Times, August 12, 2016, sec. The Upshot. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/14/upshot/why-american-schools-are-even-more-unequal-than-we-thought.html.
Hall, B.L. and Tandon, R. (2017). “Decolonization of knowledge, epistemicide, participatory research and higher education”. Research for All, 1 (1), 6–19. DOI 10.18546/RFA.01.1.02.
Simon, Clea. (2021). “How COVID Taught America about Inequity in Education.” Harvard Gazette (blog). July 9, 2021. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/07/how-covid-taught-america-about-inequity-in-education/