Written by: Chery
Quality education promotes the well-being of children. It prepares them to face day-to-day challenges and helps nurture their unique, personal talents. According to Our Word in Data, in 2023, 54.8 million children of primary education age are not enrolled in school.
Some common reasons are that governments allocate a small percentage of their GDP to education, for example, the Central African Republic only spends 1.2% of its GDP on education, which has led to unpaid teachers, closing of schools, lack of study materials for students such as textbooks, tables, chairs, blackboards, etc. Another reason is poverty: in many developing countries, families living in harsh financial conditions cannot afford to send their children to school. Even if over the past several decades, governments have abolished school fees, there are always some “informal fees” such as uniforms, books, exam fees, extra lessons, and funds to support the school buildings, thus forcing children to stay at home doing chores or work.
Two girls walk back home after attending an ad-hoc learning center set up in a local mosque in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir on Oct. 20, 2016.
Image: Dar Yasin/AP
Underfunding directly affects quality of education by limiting crucial resources. In many of these schools, outdated textbooks, lack of modern technology, and inadequate classroom supplies are prevalent. Insufficient funds hinder professional development for teachers to upgrade their methodologies to provide better guidance for their students.
The repercussions of underfunding extend to the very heart of education—the success of students. The absence of necessary resources for college preparation puts students in underfunded schools at a disadvantage when seeking higher education opportunities. As a result, dropout rates increase and students find it more difficult to pursue their intended career paths.
Increasing public awareness is crucial in mobilising communities to advocate for improved funding for education. Community involvement in fundraising initiatives and support for local school budgets can help bridge financial gaps. Furthermore, advocating for policy changes such as educational policies that prioritise equitable distribution of funds, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, can contribute to narrowing the gap between underfunded and well-funded schools.
The impact of financial constraints on education quality and future prospects of students cannot be overstated. We can create a more just and efficient educational system by pushing for additional financing, engaging communities, and supporting legislative improvements. Ensuring that all students, irrespective of their financial status, have access to the resources and opportunities required for a fruitful academic journey is our shared obligation.
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