The Universal Right: Education
Elementary education plays a vital role in the educational, psychological, and social development of young children. During primary school, children learn to read, write, and do basic arithmetic. In addition to this, children learn to interact with others and develop leadership skills. All of these benefits work together to provide children with the knowledge they need to become productive members of society. Unfortunately, children around the world are not offered a basic elementary school education.
Countries that provide compulsory elementary education to all children gain a number of social benefits. Countries experience more substantial tax revenues as well as decreased crime rates. Children who receive at least an elementary education have increased productivity, improved health, higher earnings, and increased political participation.
Elementary Education Improves Productivity
Educated individuals improve the labor market and productivity. These individuals receive higher wages and adopt new technologies, which increases an individual’s earnings. Studies have found that the rate of return for primary education is 23.0 percent.
Educated Individuals Enjoy Improved Health
Educated individuals often experience better health. Education improves an individual’s cognitive skills, which helps them acquire and process information concerning their health. Educated individuals are also more health conscious, have better nutrition, and increased fitness levels.
The health benefits associated with providing a free elementary education not only keep citizens healthy, but it also offers significant savings for the public sector. Educated individuals typically do not depend on public healthcare, and there is a decreased dependence on government welfare programs.
Education Decreases Crime
Individuals who do not have an education often turn to crime rather than legitimate work because of the earning disparity for individuals who do not have an education. Elementary school is the stepping stone to higher earnings. Would-be criminals who can earn a living wage legally are less likely to commit a crime because they understand the cost of a crime (incarceration, legal fees, and fines).
Decreased crime reduces the regulatory costs of policing a country, the criminal justice system, and incarceration costs. When a country provides all of its residents with an opportunity to receive free elementary education, the rate of crime diminishes.
Intergenerational Benefits of Elementary Education
Educated parents pass the benefits discussed above down to their children. When a parent has received at least an elementary education, the parent will be better equipped to assist their children with homework and cheer on the child’s success in school.
A parent who can read, write and perform basic math skills can better provide for their family financially. Furthermore, educated parents can help children learn to read, write, and perform basic math equations prior to the child entering elementary school. Obtaining at least an elementary education helps to ensure the child will be a successful member of their nation.
Infant mortality rates also decline sharply in countries with high primary school education. Researchers have found that infants have a higher birth weight, and better survival odds when the parent of the child has an education. These findings may be due to the socioeconomic impact of an education as well as the understanding of a nutritious diet and exercise.
Elementary Education and Socioeconomic Benefits
The social benefits of an education include improved productivity, enhanced, health, decreased crime levels, and improved intergenerational benefits. Children learn to co-exist harmoniously with their fellow classmates, develop a lifetime love of learning, and respect their country. Social responsibility, the appreciation of technology, and cultural awareness are taught in elementary school.
Children who receive an elementary education have increased creativity and communication skills, improved critical thinking skills, and an enhanced appreciation and respect for work. Individual talents are discovered, moral and social standards are learned, and an awareness of the importance of technology for regional and national development is developed.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that every individual has the right to free elementary education. Education helps to develop a child’s personality, teaches the fundamental freedoms and rights that all humans are afforded, and promotes tolerance amongst different racial and religious groups.
Unfortunately, many children do not receive an elementary education. When children are not offered free elementary schooling, the country suffers economically, and criminal involvement increases exponentially. Organizations across the worlds have banded together to help ensure every child has the opportunity to receive a free elementary education.