Indian Children are leaving schools without learning essential skills for the next generation’s jobs
“This is a crisis,” said Justin Van Fleet, Executive Director of the Global Business Coalition for Education. Out of the many problems the United Nations (UN) fights every day, one of them is education. According to UNICEF, more than half of South Asian youth are not on track to have the education and skills necessary for employment in 2030.
The UN created 17 sustainable development goals to achieve by 2030, of which quality education is the fourth on the list (United Nations). However, countries like India are now far behind in achieving this goal. In India, out of every 100 students, 29 percent of girls and boys drop out of school before completing elementary education due to early marriage or child labor (UNICEF). Nearly 20% of children were out of school before the COVID-19 pandemic, with 28% engaged in child labor. 16% of girls (ages 15–19) are married, and 34% of girls (ages 15+) struggle to read and write (Save the Children).
The problem that is going to affect a whole generation
According to UNICEF, South Asia has the most significant youth labor force in the world. However, more than half of South Asian youth leave schools without the skills needed to get a decent job in the next decade. Countries like India are falling behind in preparing the next generation of young people for 21st-century work. The youth skills gap in South Asia is an issue that must be addressed:
“Addressing the youth skills gap in South Asia requires government investments, commitments from the business community, contributions from civil society, and the perspective of young people to equip the next generation best to successfully enter the rapidly changing job market.”
It is essential to learn communities’ perceptions towards education
One of the things people can do to help is to understand the powers in India and learn how to work with them. It is essential to listen to their perspective instead of just implying that they need to change. By listening to the people in India, organizations could better understand how the population feels about the education system and how they could solve the problem. Listening and truly understanding what goes on in an individual’s mind before respectfully acting may bring better outcomes. This way, the people in India can be heard, and their values can be respected. Becoming an intercultural ally can help understand how power and privilege work in India, resulting in a better way to work with them. Exchanging knowledge, listening, and learning from others promote trust, where changes may occur more quickly. Sometimes we do not agree with others’ points of view. However, we need to learn what makes people from other cultures unique and different from us. Good listening promotes harmony and respect. Through listening, one can better understand specific contexts and then act towards improving and providing quality education. The more you pay attention to these problems, the more you can learn about what to do. Organizations need to pay attention, listen to them, learn from them, and do something about it.
The results of this deep dive into a different culture may be surprisingly rewarded. The effects of becoming more culturally aware include learning more about one’s own culture and learning how to avoid biases and stereotypes. We can remind ourselves when we see someone with education privileges that not all children have the same opportunities, gain insights about what is happening in India, learn about different global cultures, make others aware of the situation, and fight toward education equality. Community engagement can help spread awareness. You can join other people fighting for better education. You can join organizations, such as Save The Children, that promote better life and future for children in India.
The solution must come from the roots: children. Save the Children is doing its best work by solving problems such as nutrition, hygiene, and children’s rights to ensure that children, especially the most marginalized, have all their needs met so they can strive in school. The organization is ensuring that no one is left behind. However, there is much more that we must do before dealing with intercultural issues. Children are the future, and some of this future is in danger right now. Don’t hesitate. We need to work to ensure that the world that we live in tomorrow is a better place.
This article was written by Ludmilla D’Alessandro. Ludmilla is a student at the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. The author is currently pursuing a career in Global Strategic Communications.
