In September of 2000, one hundred ninety two (192) countries signed the United Nations Millennium Declaration. This covers the commitments to attain the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This was formulated for the whole world to reduce poverty in all areas by 2015.
The following is the list of the 8 MDGs:
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Achieve universal primary education
- Promote gender equality and empower women
- Reduce child mortality
- Improve maternal health
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Ensure environmental sustainability
- Develop a global partnership for development
We are now in the year 2010. Ten years after signing the declaration, nations are like runners on a race track where they reach the finish line one at a time. Some have achieved most of the goals while other nations are off the track to achieve one. China has reduced poverty from 452 million to 278 million. India is steadily achieving economic stability due to internal and external influence.
There are still many countries far from meeting their goals. One of them is Sub-Saharan African Regions who have not yet made any notable improvement to uplift their standard of living; making only 1% reduction in poverty. This is an early indication that they would likely miss the 8 – MDGs target year of 2015 which is only five years away. There are many nations on the same battle ground.
The Problems of Education in Poor Nations
Can you believe that there are students and dedicated teachers in far and remote villages who walk 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) just to pursue an education? (This is 2nd of the 8 – MDGs).
A school in a country in Southeast Asia called “Bagong Silang Elementary School” in Guirang village is situated in an upper land they called diez or 10 meaning the distance pupils traverse from their lowland village to the school by foot because there is no road for transportation; and no transportation if there is a road. Lucky if a farm animal is owned by a family to ride on. 50 students from levels grade one to six use one classroom at the same time handled by only two teachers. Have you got a clear picture of that in your conscious mind?
Education for Children Must be Free
Wouldn’t it be ideal for the world to have primary education free for all children? So that they would be able to learn regardless of how poor they are. Governments should finance their education to achieve basic knowledge on how to become productive in their community. If children fail to become responsible members of society due to lack of education, the government as a whole would be a failure.
Children are entitled to free basic education at the expense of the government especially for the poor children. The respective governments should allow more funding for education and more investments to upgrade the educational system. There are more aspects that need to be developed like accessibility to schools and classrooms conducive for learning.
If only everybody in the world knew that there are little children in poor countries who cannot attend school, for sure there will be an outpouring of donations to support them. They need your generosity as soon as possible. They are growing up. Connect with us at Children of The Planet Charity.