My first post to the pursuit of happiness facebook page!!

It has been months now since our Facebook page launch so I decided to stop delaying and just get something posted. I was sorting through my photo collections and found a couple of images of Sri Lankan school children. This inspired me to do some research into education levels in Sri Lanka and also on a global scale. I actually found that Sri Lanka is doing surprisingly well in terms of primary education, especially as a developing country. This was really encouraging to read about and I felt that if more developing countries could follow in Sri Lanka’s footsteps we would be one step closer toward reaching universal primary education, which is one of the United Nations Millennium Development goals. I thought this would make for some great material to write a post about, something actually positive and encouraging. Here is a copy of the post:

 

A More Positive Note: Educational achievements in Sri Lanka

Just to mix up your Facebook news feed tonight, I’d like to talk briefly about something other than Kim Kardashians booty, and something more positive than the heartbreaking news stories that are constantly in our faces… educational achievements in Sri Lanka.

Primary education is one of the eight United Nations millennium goals, put out in the year 2000. Its target was that by 2015, children everywhere- and of both genders- will have the opportunity to fully complete primary education.

First and foremost, education is a human right. Just as having food, access to clean water and roof over your head is. Furthermore, it is a key to development. Education fosters positive economic, political and social growth and provides opportunities for advancements in medicine and the fight against poverty. The benefits are limitless. It also promotes gender equality, reduces child mortality, improves mental health and encourages environmental sustainability. No wonder it is such a big focus of the UN.

Whilst many nations seem to have lost enthusiasm, Sri Lanka has made some amazing efforts towards meeting the target. As of 2014, nearly 98% of children in Sri Lanka complete primary education, with the country boasting a 92.3% literacy rate- admirably high for a developing country.

After the civil war ended in 2009, things were looking concerning for the little island. However, over the past decade Sri Lanka has made significant improvements in the lives of its children, through their strong commitment to education. As a result; child mortality, gender equality and immunization rates have improved tenfold, securing hope for the nation’s future.

And the exciting news doesn’t stop there.

Sri Lanka still recognises that 2% of its children are not receiving an education, and is now more committed than ever to ensuring that in the future these remaining children do.

“The Out-of-School Children” initiative (supported by the UN) works in more than 30 countries (Sri Lanka included), and is focused on assessing the barriers preventing children from receiving an education. Things like poverty, discrimination, disability and location are what they generally face. As part of this initiative, Sri Lanka has been dedicated to:

-Improving data and analysis on children not in school

-Identifying the barriers holding the final 2% back

-Developing policies tailored to particular context so that enrolment levels continue to rise

Whilst the media today seems to be swamped by negative stories and concerning statistics, I think that at least a small Facebook post is due to commend Sri Lanka for its positive efforts and achievements in regards to education. It sets a benchmark for other developing countries to strive towards, and also encourages developed countries to keep pushing towards total educational enrolment.

If you are interested in supporting Sri Lanka, and other developing nations strive towards total enrolment, go to http://www.unicef.org/education/bege_61659.html to learn more

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela)