“Education is not only for the Schooled”.

This is not new! It isn’t, right? I am sure you have heard it many times. But do you actually understand why this is said?

Well, this short piece of mine is going to highlight some of the reasons why it is so.

Let’s begin!

Quick Question?

Do you know that you really don’t need to go to school for you to be educated?

Yes, you heard me! I wasn’t mincing my words.

However, this is where the balance lies.

Schooling is very important. In fact, through schooling, you are privileged to understand the dynamics and governance of science, learn social skills such as communication, teamwork and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills help you to analyse information, make informed decisions, obtain formal recognition of your educational achievements.

You see, these benefits, right?

What is Education then?

A Universal term for learning and formal schooling is just one of them.

This is why it is important to recognise that both formal and informal learning play significant roles in gaining knowledge and understanding different subjects that in turn affects the well-being and decision-making of any individual or society. Each person’s educational journey can be unique but what matters the most is the thirst for knowledge and the willingness to learn.

The overshadowing notion challenges the idea of exclusivity for a certain caliber of people. It highlights the importance of providing educational opportunities for everyone regardless of their background, socio-economic status, or previous level of education. It also challenges us to look for conventional means to develop and equip the society.

It is also a call to renovate the sector that funds education because whether we like it or not, the advancement of new inventions is present. Our response should be the readiness to think of how we can infuse this “newness” into our age and norm of doing things. All these will help to improve the School thought of Education. (I had written a piece on the Innovative Educational System within my article Smart Learning in Africa. I will drop it at the end of this piece. You should read it.

I would want you to see this:

We can say that education is also a lifelong process that extends beyond formal schooling. Most individuals stop learning after school which can only birth stagnant economic and personal development. The location of learning is not limited to the four walls of the school. Other settings are the family, offices, communities, religious organizations, support groups and spaces. You could also self-learn by taking courses and skills to become better.

It doesn’t encompass the acquisition of knowledge and skills alone but also the development of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and personal growth.

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I am always amazed when I interact with most schooled persons and find out how uneducated they sound. The belief of an educated person as a literate, degree holder, perhaps the art of being outspoken (knowing how to speak well) are all essential but not core.

Being educated means being able to gain knowledge, skills, and understanding in a variety of subjects and areas of life, whether through formal or informal ways. It entails being well-informed, competent in critical thinking, and capable of applying what you’ve learnt in real-world settings. It requires constant pursuit of information and personal development.

Furthermore, it highlights the need for equitable access to education. In many societies, access to quality education is often limited by factors such as income inequality, gender discrimination, geographical location, and cultural barriers. By asserting that education is not only for the schooled, it advocates for breaking down these barriers and ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Moreover, the statement also challenges the idea that formal education is the only valid form of learning. It recognises the value of practical skills, vocational training, and experiential learning, which may not be traditionally associated with the concept of education. It suggests that education should encompass a wide range of learning experience that cater to the diverse needs and interests of the people.

While formal schooling is important, it is worth noting again that it is just one part of a person’s educational journey. Informal learning, self-study, and real-world experiences also contribute significantly to one’s educational journey.

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There are benefits that the society gets when education is accessible to the everyone.

• It promotes social mobility by providing opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to acquire knowledge and skills. This empowers them and improves their life prospects.
• It also fosters inclusivity by creating a learning environment that celebrates diversity and recognises the unique talents and abilities of each individual.
• It also promotes a culture of lifelong learning, where individuals continue to seek knowledge and grow intellectually throughout their lives.

In conclusion, the importance of reiterating the thought of this piece is this. Education hold high importance and this calls for a more inclusive, accessible, and lifelong approach to learning. It emphasizes the importance of providing educational opportunities for everyone, breaking down barriers to access, and recognizing the value of diverse forms of learning. By embracing this perspective, societies can strive towards greater equity, empowerment, and personal development for all individuals.

Discovering new ways to integrate learning into your daily life does not necessarily require formal education alone. What makes one a great Leader is their curiousity to learn and ability to read wide.

Remember this:

Educate yourself and learn the major things that will make you exceptional in your field, society, home and among peers.

You can also be educated beyond the school.

Thank you.