-
SINGAPORE CHALLENGEThe ideal of meritocracy is espoused within Singapore’s economic policies and the structure of our education system. It is important to note that effective implementation of meritocracy is only possible if everyone begins at the same starting point. In Singapore, children from affluent families are able to attend preschool education and tuition classes, giving them a competitive edge over those from low-income families.
This was reflected in a recent study done by Ong Xiang Liang and Dr. Cheung Hoi Shan, where they found that “children from higher socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to attend Integrated Programme (IP) secondary school and their affiliated primary schools, as well as those that offer the Gifted Education Programme (GEP).”53
-
GLOBAL STATISTICS- 57 million children do not have access to primary school education. Children from the poorest countries, those living in conflict zones, girls, children living with disabilities and minority groups are most likely to drop out of soon48
- 70 million lower secondary school students are out of school49
- 103 million youth lack basic literacy skills, with more than 60% consisting of women50
GLOBAL CHALLENGEFor children born into poverty, education is essential to enable them to escape the poverty cycle. A quality education provides them with the chance to build the life they want, and is a critical determinant of individual empowerment.
However, poverty and conflict often compels children to drop out of school. In developing countries, children from the poorest families are four times more likely to be out of school than those from the richest households51.
GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~Nelson Mandela
Access to qualify education is one of the most important factor in eradicating poverty. UN SDG #4 ensures that all children – girls and boys – complete primary and secondary school education by 2030. This goal also aims to build a pathway towards greater access to affordable and quality higher education, as well as vocational training, which eliminates gender and wealth disparities.52
