Education After COVID-19; Reviving a Lifelong Love for Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic was a great hit that brought many global challenges to light, but few have been as visible as the disparities in education. It is worth noting that Education was already shaking in its foundation until the pandemic came to shake it even more. As schools across the world transitioned to online learning, the digital divide became more evident than ever, particularly in underserved regions where access to technology and the internet is limited. Students in these parts of the world felt left out and totally out of what was happening around the world and this made them develop the impression that education does not belong to them. Until date, some students who left school have not been motivated to return to school, and those who have gone back to school, only get to write their BECE and that ends it. Addressing these educational disparities is crucial, not only for ensuring that all children have access to quality education but also for fostering a generation that values learning beyond just the pursuit of jobs.

The Importance of Global Education Equity

I know this might sound like a cliche but I will keep repeating it because it is necessary actually to say that Education is a fundamental human right, and its importance extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of life, fosters critical thinking, and promotes social and economic development. However, the pandemic has widened existing inequalities, particularly in low-income and rural areas, where students lack access to the necessary resources for effective learning.

These disparities are not just about access to education but also about students' access to quality education. In many underserved countries and/or regions, schools are not conducive enough to encourage both students and teachers to stay in them, teachers are not motivated enough, and the curriculum is outdated. The result is a generation of students who are ill-prepared for the challenges of the modern world. For instance, a lot of the subjects are taught in abstract when in actual sense they should be linked to real-life situations.

Organizations Bridging the Gap

Fortunately, several organizations are stepping up to bridge the educational gap and ensure that all students have access to quality education:

1. UNICEF: UNICEF has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure that children continue their education during the pandemic. Through its "Learning Passport" initiative, UNICEF has provided students in over 20 countries access to digital learning platforms, even in regions with limited internet connectivity.
2. The Global Partnership for Education (GPE): GPE works in partnership with governments in developing countries to improve the quality of education. During the pandemic, GPE provided emergency funding to 66 countries to support distance learning and ensure that vulnerable children could continue their education.
3. The Malala Fund: Co-founded by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, the Malala Fund advocates for girls' education, particularly in conflict zones and developing countries. The organization has been instrumental in providing resources for remote learning during the pandemic and continues to advocate for the education of all girls.

Digital learning will accelerate education, however, in some countries, students still sit under trees, while others do not have access to the power supply at their schools for teachers to even charge their phones.

Reviving the Love for Education

Despite these challenges, it is essential to reignite a passion for learning that transcends the traditional notion of education as merely a path to employment. Education should be seen as a lifelong journey that enriches the mind, nurtures creativity, and fosters a sense of curiosity about the world.

> Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela

One way to revive the love for education is by rethinking the curriculum to make it more relevant to students' lives and interests. Like incorporating real-world applications of knowledge, promoting project-based learning, and emphasizing critical thinking skills can make education more engaging and meaningful.

Additionally, fostering a culture of reading, encouraging curiosity, and promoting lifelong learning can help shift the focus from education as a means to an end (i.e., a job) to education as an end in itself. Education should be about developing well-rounded individuals who are capable of contributing to society in meaningful ways, not just about preparing for the workforce and using that knowledge to innovate novel things.

Why this is important

We are in a world that is increasingly driven by technology and innovation, education is more important than ever. However, if we continue to view education solely as a path to employment, we risk losing the deeper value of learning. Education should inspire, challenge, and transform us, and push us to become better citizens and thinkers.

Moreover, we keep preaching equity, yet education is one of the sectors that have seen disparity in all lengths. Ensuring that all students have access to quality education is essential for creating a more equitable and just world. When students are denied the opportunity to learn, they are also denied the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Education is not just about getting a job—it's about living a fulfilling, informed, and meaningful life.