Tomaševski (Removing Obstacles) explained the notion that “poverty is a human rights violation” because if an individual does not have even a basic education, they will not be able to function and contribute to the society as a whole. The example that was given of South Korea where they invested a great deal in the basic education program yielded great benefits for the society because they had a whole generation of women with at least basic skills which they were then able to allocate resources to the development of materials rather than putting all of their money into the building of schools with no additional money for resources.. President Gordon B. Hinckley stated that “when you save a girl, you save generations” because she will teach her children, who will turn around and teach their children (http://www.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,6865-1,00.html).
Not only has President Hinckley focused on educating young women, but he explained the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) as a “bright ray of hope” for impoverished individuals who are able to receive an education through the help of the PEF. Many of these individuals have served as faithful missionaries and at the conclusion of their time in serving, they return back to the same circumstances they left and have very little hope of moving forward in their educations or lives, but with the hope of an education are able to progress. Gisborne, the assistant to the Sherriff of Nottingham in the BBC America Robin Hood series, said in a very selfish way, “If you want to help the poor, help yourself first.” In opposition to this selfish view, President Hinckley said, “we need to care for one another more diligently. We need to make a little more effort to assist those who are down at the bottom of the ladder. We need to give encouragement and a lifting hand to men and women of faith and integrity and ability, who can climb that ladder with a little help.” He stated that the majority of the funds from the PEF have been donated by average individuals who are not men and women of great means. They are reaching down with the little that they have to assist others.
As Tomaševski (Free and Compulsory Education) discussed the right to an education that is free of charge to the students themselves vs. education that is free of cost. There is always a cost attached to education. But individuals should receive a basic education in order to participate in the society. As they are able to participate, then they are able to create more tax revenue which is used to fund education.
As a summary of what I see as the primary motivation of open education is the need to help those who need a little boost to get them started on the path to success. This includes giving an opportunity to both children and adults. There is a cost, but it is an investment in human resources that will benefit them, their families, and society as a whole.
2 comments:
Very well said. It makes me think of some of our discussions with our students in China, who were the "elite" and were able to receive an education. Many of them believed that it is impossible to educate the masses, but I felt that it is necessary and essential to educate the masses.
Never thought I'd see a Robin Hood quote in here, but there you go.
I think we under-appreciate the role of basic / primary education in the spread of the gospel and the church. Not only because if you can't read the scriptures it's harder to gain a testimony of them, but because if you're working three jobs there is no time in your life to fulfill a calling to lead an auxiliary or teach Sunday School. (4)
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