There is no feeling more exhilarating than combing through hundreds of cheap books desperately needed for your children’s education.
I just returned from the Ghana Book Trust and was immersed from head to toe with books, for all subjects, all grades. Athough two hours was not enough time for me to explore all content, I am happy to say I will no longer be in need of materials for schooling my children.
The books at the Trust are not organized, but I am happy to say, I no longer have a need to order materials for my children’s curriculum via Amazon. I also no longer need to burden friends, colleagues and people I just met with bringing me books.
I’m sure I must have lost friends that way. No wonder people stopped telling me about upcoming trips to Accra.
Home schooling just got a little easier in Ghana! The materials are here…although lightly used, but only 1.50GHC. Can you say Kwanzaa gifts?
Monday, 21 November 2011
Thursday, 10 November 2011
7 billion people in the world
The world’s population has exploded to 7 billion! That’s one billion more people our children will have to compete with for education. According to a UNESCO article on the subject, 7 billion people make access to education even less probable for girl children.
This means that as the world’s population grows, life will get more difficult for girl children, particularly those living in poverty in Africa. Most countries were already unable to provide education for all; growing populations further stress a dire situation. A large population will also affect gender distribution in the schools. As parents find it harder to find good schools, and those few good schools will tend to be private and expensive; only a limited number of parents will be able to afford tuition. In UNESCO’s letter to the 7th billion child born, it states that child should demand and fight for his/her right to education. Girls will most likely have to fight harder and demand more in order to be educated.
All the research proves that an educated girl does more for society. However, the problem is no longer cultural but poor policy. They will now have to compete for access to education and amongst the educated. I realize that although access to education is a must; quality education is failing. That child can have access to a brand new school; but poor teachers with no quality materials will not empower her to compete with the world.
Glad that UNESCO has changed its language by asking for education for all; as opposed to schools for all. Opening more schools is NOT the answer. Providing education and opening school buildings are two different goals. With such a large population, policy makers should be vying for alternative ways to educate the masses. In situations where there are few teachers and fewer relevant materials to teach with; empowering enthusiastic and motivated parents and guardians is the way to go.
This means that as the world’s population grows, life will get more difficult for girl children, particularly those living in poverty in Africa. Most countries were already unable to provide education for all; growing populations further stress a dire situation. A large population will also affect gender distribution in the schools. As parents find it harder to find good schools, and those few good schools will tend to be private and expensive; only a limited number of parents will be able to afford tuition. In UNESCO’s letter to the 7th billion child born, it states that child should demand and fight for his/her right to education. Girls will most likely have to fight harder and demand more in order to be educated.
All the research proves that an educated girl does more for society. However, the problem is no longer cultural but poor policy. They will now have to compete for access to education and amongst the educated. I realize that although access to education is a must; quality education is failing. That child can have access to a brand new school; but poor teachers with no quality materials will not empower her to compete with the world.
Glad that UNESCO has changed its language by asking for education for all; as opposed to schools for all. Opening more schools is NOT the answer. Providing education and opening school buildings are two different goals. With such a large population, policy makers should be vying for alternative ways to educate the masses. In situations where there are few teachers and fewer relevant materials to teach with; empowering enthusiastic and motivated parents and guardians is the way to go.
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