5 Reasons to Give Back to Education in 2024

Imagine a world where everyone can read and write. It sounds great, doesn’t it? But what about a world where the children stop at only knowing how to read and write? Over 1.2 million students are out of school in India, and many have never been able to attend school. One of the reasons why we see these unfortunate numbers is that a few people still believe that literacy is enough for a child’s development.

Here’s why you should support education beyond literacy:

While the ability to read and write is undoubtedly crucial, it is just the foundation. To truly build a better future, children need a more comprehensive and holistic education that equips them with a wide range of skills and knowledge. Here’s why prioritizing education is important:

1) Limited Opportunities

Decoding words is crucial, but children need additional skills to apply their knowledge. This limits their ability to learn complex subjects, hindering career options and future earnings. Children who lack access to quality education beyond basic literacy face significant disadvantages in society and are deprived of the overall progress of their communities. Due to their lack of education, they do not get the same educational opportunities as any other child their age.

2) Cycle of Poverty

Parents who couldn’t pursue education don’t necessarily promote not pursuing education, but their financial situation limits them. They struggle to send their children to school, even at a primary level, continuing the cycle of poverty. Literacy rates are directly linked to national income since it is one of the deciding factors in the job one pursues. Investing in education can break this cycle of poverty and prevent major social issues like child labor and trafficking.

3) Skills Gap

Jobs like AI trainer and content creator were less heard of until a decade ago. The job market has since grown with new industries and roles daily. Many of the future jobs haven’t even been invented yet. This means children need to develop a diverse set of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy, to remain competitive and adaptable in the future workforce. With millions of children deprived of a simple opportunity to learn, we create a major skill gap in our workforce.

4) Lack of Well-rounded Development

Education is crucial in exposing a child to a range of subjects and activities that enhance their physical, emotional, and social growth. Without a well-rounded education, they struggle to develop essential life skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for success in both the personal and professional worlds.

5) Nation’s Lost Potential

India is a country of bright minds who are unfortunately unable to reach their full potential. By not prioritizing quality education, we sacrifice the future of individuals and our nation as a whole. The equation is simple. As the number of educated, and skilled individuals increases, so does the quality of our workforce and economy. In our goal to become an Atmanirbhar Bharat, education is the true pivotal force.

How can you contribute to quality education for underserved children?

1) Advocate for better education policies

Raise awareness and promote changes that prioritize equal access to well-rounded, high-quality education opportunities for all children, regardless of background.

2) Volunteer your time

Donate your time and skills by tutoring or mentoring students, offering guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to those lacking access to quality education.

3) Support NGOs Working for Education

Donate to education through non-profit organizations working to bridge gaps with educational resources and innovative learning experiences for marginalized children.

4) Donate educational resources

From books and stationery to computers and sports gear, things that aren’t much of use to you are a hope for the future for someone else. These donations contribute to a better learning environment for underserved children. Literacy is undoubtedly a fundamental right and crucial, but it is no longer enough to ensure a child's future success in the 21st century. By prioritizing and investing in a comprehensive and holistic education, we not only empower individual children but also contribute to the overall well-being and progress of society. 

Want to start now? Join us at the Giving for Good Foundation, where we are working to reach the last kid in line with education resources that help them stay in school. Together, we take action to provide every child with the opportunities and resources they need to reach their full potential.

Exclusively written for Giving for Good Foundation by Bhairavi Hiremath