Achieving+Universal+Education




 * Education for all provides a country's citizens to voice their needs in regards to social problems, political instability and an overall better quality of life.**

Education is something that should transcend a country's social class and (be that the caste system or any other system) economic status among other factors. This principle is enforced in the **Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 26**:
 * **(1)** Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
 * **(2)** Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
 * **(3)** Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children

J. F. Rischard, in his book __**High Noon**__ notes the positive implications that providing education for all will build the principle of global citizenship, prepare individulas to participate in the new world economy, reinforce and promote democratic principles as well as reduce poverty and inequality.

In conclusion, education should serve as an equalizer that transcends cultural, social and economic statuses as well as aids citizens of a country to voice their views and needs.

**The Current Problem:**
900 million men and women are illiterate, and 99% live in the developing world. In addition, one in every six adult on this planet are unable to read and/or write.

Many of the students in public schools, do not receive much in their education even though the U.S. is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. There is little federal money going to education because it is primarily state-funded. Although there have been attempts to revamp the system with such acts as The No Child Left Behind Act, problems are still visible. Other problems such as poorly paid teachers and overly crowded schools also constitude some of the problems. Money spent on education is only 2.4% of the total government spending, whereas military for example is 51%.
 * U.S. Problem:**

Unfortunately it is the same in India. Huge amounts of money and resources are ear marked every year for education by the Indian government. In southern states of India, education is of prime importance in the entire social strata, thus the literacy rate is quite high. But in the rest of India, education never reaches most of the population. Problems such as misuse of litereary funds, poorly paid teachers, overly crowded schools, corruption in the education department are some of the main causes for the poor literacy rate in India. Again money spent on education is miniscule as compared to the funds allocated for military development.
 * Indian Problem:**

**Funding (U.S.):**
Funding is divided into federal and state levels. US Department of Education spends approximately $67.2 billion/year, providing for 14,00 schools and 56 million students. The total amount spent on education is $1 trillion.

Solutions:
Among the many things that can be done for education, there should be privatization of education, so education can be taken out of the government's hands and put into the hands of individuals who can make a difference. Also, even though primary education is of the most importance, having a primary education does not allow a person to receive a well-paid job. After primary school, children should be able to choose their focus/their area of interest so that they only have to attend classes during those allotted hours studying for subjects they are interested in, instead of spending all day at school not paying attention. When students only spend a certain number of hours at school, they are able to go back home and still help their family financially in the meantime.

Status of Education in India: A basic primary education is important not only for the full development of one's personality, but also for the sustained growth of the nation especially in a country which continues to have a predominantly agricultural economy. The country needs to emphasize the importance of basic literacy and elementary education. This is the foundation on which the development of every citizen and the nation as a whole hinges. Elementary education means eight years of schooling beginning at age six. The government should make elementary education compulsory and free. Strategies to improve access to education:  · Financial assistance should be provided to those schools who start vocational courses · The primary aim of elementary education should be the overall development of a child in various fields. · Mid day meal schemes should be provided in schools such that free food is available in schools and children have an incentive to join schools · Primary education system should organize skill training classes and help children solve complex tasks with ease · Highly qualified professionals and teachers should visit regionally backward areas to provide special training to rural students and teachers · Government health facilities should be combined with schooling systems to improve the health of students

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