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Mateo Quiroga
Ms. Thompson
AP Language, Block 2, Skinny A
28 February 2015
The Importance of Global Education: Social and Economic Benefits
It is an ubiquitous aspiration to possess a grand life that is capable of
providing for oneself, ones family, and lastly ones society. In order to tackle
such ambitious goal, one must utilize lifes most fundamental tool,
education. The great philosopher, Benjamin Franklin, once said, An
investment in knowledge pays off the best interests. The idea of investing in
ones education to attain a better future is not abstract, as seen evident
throughout many societies in the Western world. Education opens the doors
for countless opportunities, such as moving up the social class ladder or
attaining a career, instead of a job. Melissa Fleming, UN Refugee Agencys
spokesperson, had the pleasure of interviewing education-deprived refugee
children from Africa. In her interview, the children acknowledged the
importance of education and understood that education allows them to
think of their future rather than the nightmare of their past (Lets Help
Refugees). Individuals in developing countries understand that in order to
prosper, they must exploit all educational opportunities available to them.
The opportunities, unfortunately, are limited, as governments in developing
countries do not prioritize education and do not offer the same opportunities
for all social classes. This occurrence is not rare. For decades, the importance

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of education has been undermined causing it to become a global privilege; it

is imperative for society to affirm the right of education in order to develop
the social and economic structure of developing nations.
Notably, as third world governments progressively acknowledge the
importance of education, this new realization has led to the growth of
investments allotted to education. These investments, in turn, have resulted
in health care advancements that have led government officials to
apprehend the notion that a country with a better education system is a
healthier country. Lorraine Symaco, director of the Centre for Research in
International and Comparative Education, conducted a research study that
investigates the connection between a countrys education system and its
respective health department. In her study, Symaco was able to highlight the
relevance of training, whether in formal or through community participation,
in preparing for the effects of a disaster (Symaco 12). A nations health
department extends far beyond the medical facilities and service; it is also
inclusive of the systematic approach by a country concerning preparation
and response during a national disaster. Symacos research signifies that a
countrys structure and well-being is highly affected by the preparation of its
citizens, emphasizing the importance of education. Moreover, the document
study goes forward to state that higher education leads to higher
occupational class and income, which, in turn, increases the chance of better
health (14). The study denotes the direct cause and effect that is evident
with the presence of education, in which educated individuals hold a higher

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occupational position that allow them to benefit from a higher income. One
would then be able to make the safe assumption that individuals with a
greater income have the ability to take time off their career and invest more
resources into their personal health through frequent medical examinations,
personal fitness memberships, and healthier diets.
In another perspective, the importance of education is represented in
the nations economic backbone.

On the other hand, an individuals income is heavily depended on their

education level, as their level of education determines their mental ability
limits in regards to occupations. In a news article by Education Week,
research studies have concluded that the education importance and
significance in America is stagnating, which, has led a lesser rate of
individuals moving up the economic classes (Greenstone and Looney). This
denotes the direct relationship between income and an individuals
education level. With higher education, an individual should expect a greater
income level. Individuals born at a low-income class are able to move up
through educating themselves and attaining a high paying position as a
cause of their education. American mentality highlighting the importance of
education is rapidly going away and this is being seen as fewer individuals
move up the classes. The income levels and Americas economic position will
soon reflect the changes. In addition, the article emphasizes, Americans who
do not graduate from high school earn less and are much less likely to have

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jobs than their more educated peers. On a more personal level, less
educated Americans are less likely to marry and more likely to raise a child in
poverty, which reduces the prospects for intergenerational mobility
(Greenstone and Looney). Personal success is highly contingent on their level
of education. This recognizes the importance of education in an individuals
life and the quality of life. The dreams of an individual can all be limited by
their education. They can dream to have a family and have an excellent
quality of life, but at the end of the day, their level of education will limit
what they are able to do.

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Works Cited
"Investing in Education Will Help Advance Global Anti-poverty Targets." UN News
Center. UN, 23 Sept. 2010. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.
Let's Help Refugees Thrive, Not Just Surive. Perf. Melissa Fleming. Melissa Fleming:.
TED Talks, 01 Oct. 2014. Web. 19 Jan. 2015.
Mebarak, Shakira I. "Presidents Obama and Santos and Shakira Speak at Summit of
the Americas." YouTube. YouTube, 16 Apr. 2012. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.

Symaco, Lorraine Pe. "Education, Poverty, Malnutrition, and Famine: An

Overview." Education, Poverty, Malnutrition and Famine. New York:
Bloomsbury, 2014. N. pag. Print.