Pearls For Literacy

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     Yesterday I was thinking about education and the emphasis that is placed upon success that arises from education. Indeed, education is a measure of success. It is a criteria that is included in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a nation. The higher the numbers the greater the perceived success of a nation. While education can indicate success, and also the success of a nation, I also do think that success arising from education is dependant upon region. For example: If individuals are are living in the developing regions, the first and foremost need for those individuals is to survive, with the need of food, clothing, shelter, and also a means to survive. We can think of farming, agriculture, or local jobs that will contribute to this survival. Once the basic needs are met, and achieve food security, individuals can branch out to think about education, skills and trade development. While this might sound simple, it is a complex process. When a family who has more than five children, they have to think, about how they will feed those kids. Food insecurity triggers health problems such a mental health, suicide and malnutrition. So I asked if education is the only key to success?

     For individuals in the developing regions and also developed regions that have been struck by natural disaster, the first and foremost need is survival. 

     When we hear of organizations preach education, you have to remember that while there is a strong belief in education, sometimes it can't be everyones priority because of environmental circumstance. This is where we are brought back to think about how the developed regions that have not been struck with natural disaster could bring aid to the regions where there is a need for economic and sustainable development. Aid would be in the form of community empowerment, with resources so that local societies can support their own survival and growth.

     I also don't think that we can think of the world as developing or developed anymore, because even when there is development, these are often quickly destroyed with natural disaster, in what is labelled as climate change, that is beyond the control of the developed world. 

    Education can and is transformative. It can develop a person intellectually, spiritually, and personally. However, where there are poor regions, I think we could do better if we used the term promoting literacy. Literacy, where individuals understand the value of reading and writing, and knowing that this can also contribute towards survival.

Dedication: These thoughts were inspired by a recent research project about the region of Haiti. This research increased my awareness of the historical, and natural disasters that have destroyed this once thriving country. Whilst the country tries to rebuild, it is then struck again with disaster. It is my hope that regions like this can once again thrive, and reap the benefits of land with agricultural growth, rice farming, produce, and cultural products. 

The thoughts are also dedicated to all the developed and developing regions who have lately been struck by natural disaster. Our thoughts of love, prayer and support are with you. 

They say that climate change is a man, maybe it is a man controlling climate? 

Further Reading: Black America Should Care More About Haiti

​My thoughts to share with love & kindness. 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand written on October 13th, 2018.
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