Education has always been the cornerstone of progress. It opens doors, breaks down barriers, and empowers individuals to dream beyond their circumstances. The economic growth of a country is directly proportional to the literacy rate of the people because education is indispensable for personal development and the overall progress of individuals.
The state is responsible for providing free education to all citizens because education is the right of each citizen. If a country fails to provide equal education opportunities to its people, various private institutions, like ours, step up to play their role in providing quality education to all those who are unprivileged. Before we delve deeper into the role of education in empowering youth, let’s first understand the concept of quality education.
Quality Education- a Development Goal
UNESCO defines quality education as an educational approach to provide appropriate skills, gender parity, knowledge transmission, and values to succeed in the ever-changing world. It extends beyond just transmitting basic knowledge and rote memorization of facts to equip the youth with the relevant skills and values to survive in the most demanding era of the 21st century.
Quality education, the fourth of the seventeen sustainable development goals mentioned by the United States, must prioritize equity and inclusivity and, most importantly, a lifelong opportunity to get education.
Role of Education in Youth Empowerment
Youth empowerment means equipping the young generation with the necessary skills, knowledge and opportunities for self-development, enabling them to make good decisions and live better lives. Young people are the asset of any country. Their education means a better economy and a prosperous society. Education is the most important and beneficial tool for empowering the youth with the most demanding skills of the 21st century. Education empowers youth in the following ways:
- Skill Development
In this age of rapid mechanical advancement, skills are the only source of success. If a nation wants to dominate the world in all possible ways, its youth should be skillful. Education and skill development are interconnected, and the purpose of quality education is to provide basic necessary skills to individuals. With quality education, individuals learn critical thinking skills, hands-on practice, problem-solving skills, and professional skills.
Soft skills are equally important in this day and age. Education and educational institutes also play their part in enhancing speaking skills, building confidence and the professional development of individuals.
- Employment Opportunities
Education leads to better employment opportunities for individuals by broadening the spectrum of career choices available to young people. This, in turn, enhances the quality of life of the young people and their families.
A well-rounded education also gives a purpose and direction to the youth other than providing financial security. An empowered and educated individual sets goals and strives to achieve them, opening new employment opportunities for people too.
- Leadership Development
To take a country to new heights, capable leaders are a necessity. Education fosters leadership qualities in youth, preparing them to take the responsibility of leading their country. Educated individuals have the leadership qualities and help other people of their community towards prosperity.
- Building a stronger community
The impact of education extends beyond individual learners. When youth get empowered, strengthened and developed thoroughly, they become change agents influencing others. Through their influence on their family, peers and neighbors, they initiate a cycle of change in society.
The presence of a well-educated and proficient human capital is the cornerstone of a developed country. In a developed country, a higher GDP translates into an enhanced quality of life for its inhabitants. The people, in return, make a stronger community.
Current Education Condition in India
Over the past three decades, India has achieved remarkable advancements in ensuring access to education for all students and reducing the number of students who are out of school. Acts like the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act (2009) and the National Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Policy (2013) have contributed significantly to this accomplishment.
However, various issues persist within the current education system of India. According to UNICEF on education in India, “around 50 per cent of adolescents do not complete secondary education, while approximately 20 million children not attending preschool”.
The Shelters Program to Empower Youth Through Education
Our foundation operates in Punjab, India, with our mission to empower youth through education and enhancing their living standards. We play our role as catalysts to societal change with our multiple educational programs designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of people from various backgrounds.
You can support The Shelters in this noble cause by volunteering your services or donating your funds. Each minimum contribution is invaluable because we believe in the power of collective efforts, knowing that every effort creates a meaningful impact.