Education in Third World

Faced with the daily challenges of economic difficulties and other threats, governments in developing countries are working very hard to ensure that their educational institutions continue to provide a standard of education that can keep their citizens on par with the educated people in more economically sound countries. To some extent, these third world countries have successfully completed their crusade for quality education. The problem is that a good education comes at a price, and many people in third world countries often cannot pay that price. Although quality education is available, it is still unattainable for a large proportion of the population of a developing country.

It is certainly impressive to see that developing countries have educational institutions that are world class and offer education that rivals that of more affluent nations around the world. There is a clear recognition of the role that education plays in overcoming hardship and poverty. As hard as it may be, a good education is still seen as the best way to a better life.

Developing countries with excellent educational systems include such “emerging markets” as Mexico, India, Brazil, Turkey, the Philippines, Egypt, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand, much of South America and several Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.

Obviously the poorest of the poor in these countries will have a hard time getting into the best schools in their area. Of course, there are always scholarship programs, but these are few. Also, people at the bottom end of the economic scale are more preoccupied with more pressing issues related to their very survival, such as where to find food and money for clothing and shelter. Only when these basic needs are met can parents really focus on their children’s education. In fact, studies show that for most poor families, once their basic economic needs are met, their first priority is to send their children to a good school.

India recently launched EDUSAT, an education program that aims to provide quality education to even the poorest citizens. Among the group’s first initiatives is the development of a $100 laptop that the government plans to distribute to public schools across the country by 2007.

Thanks to Jonathon Hardcastle | #Education #World