Transformative potential of education for a people and society
My journey began in 1997 when I was in the seventh grade, and the day came when I had to say goodbye to school forever. Dropping out was not just the end of my education; it felt like the end of my dreams, goals and hope for a better future.
Each night, as I lay in bed, my mind was consumed by darkness and despair. It felt as though I was trapped in a room without light or air. After two months of anguish, I realised that without education, I had no future.
Determined to carve a new path, I decided to teach myself and the children around me who had no access to education. I started my own school in the courtyard of my home with a few playmates and my younger sister. Little did I know that this modest beginning would eventually lead to an extraordinary achievement: becoming the first Pakistani to win the Global Teacher Prize, chosen from 7,000 educators across 130 countries.
For 27 years, I have dedicated my life to the cause of education. I intend to dedicate the rest of my life to this beautiful mission too.
Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it symbolises hope, progress and unity. It empowers individuals to think critically, solve problems and shape their futures.
One moment from 2010 stands out vividly in my memory. A five-year-old girl joined my school, frightened and withdrawn. I sat her on my lap and began to teach her. As I did, her eyes lit up with hope. That moment captured the transformative power of education. Today, she is a university student. Her journey is a testament to how education can uplift and empower lives.
Through my schools and vocational centre, I have provided ten years of free education and skills training, enabling students to support themselves and their families. Yet, I firmly believe that education must evolve with the times. It is not enough to enrol children in schools; we must equip them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The past century has witnessed remarkable progress in education. Global literacy rates have risen from under 30 percent in 1920 to over 87 percent today. Enrolment in both primary and secondary education has surged. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain, particularly in developing countries.
In Pakistan, 25.3 million children aged 5 to 16 are out of school, making up 36 percent of the school-age population. Globally, according to UNESCO, 263 million children and youth remain out of school.
While some children use advanced tools to explore galaxies, millions lack access to basic education.
Education is a proven tool for reducing poverty. According to UNESCO, each year of schooling increases a person's income by an average of 10 percent. If all adults completed secondary education, 420 million people could be lifted out of poverty, reducing global poverty by more than half. If all children in low-income countries acquired basic reading skills, 171 million people could escape extreme poverty.
Educated individuals are more likely to seek healthcare, practice better hygiene and understand the importance of vaccination.
Children of educated mothers are 50 percent more likely to survive past the age of five, according to UNICEF. For every additional year of schooling, a girl’s future income can increase by up to 20 percent (World Bank). Universal secondary education for girls could prevent 12 million child marriages each year.
It is not enough to enrol children in schools; we must equip them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Countries with high literacy rates experience faster economic growth. A 10 percent increase in the literacy rate can raise a country’s GDP by 0.5-1.5 percent.
Educated citizens are more likely to participate in democratic processes and advocate for human rights. Education helps communities understand and combat climate change.
Education equips individuals with the skills to thrive in the modern economy, including STEM fields. In countries like South Korea, where literacy rate is almost 100 percent, the economy has transitioned to high-tech industries, contributing to sustained economic growth.
Policymakers play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Some key steps include implementing policies guaranteeing every child’s right to education, focusing on marginalised communities; updating content to include digital literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving; providing electricity, internet access, and modern learning environments for schools; offering continuous professional development to help teachers adopt innovative tools and methods; collaborating with the private sector to fund and develop accessible educational technologies.
Artificial intelligence holds transformative potential for education, especially in resource-constrained settings. It can provide quality education in remote areas, overcoming distance and teacher shortages; provide personalised learning tools to cater to individual student needs, improving comprehension and retention; and automate tasks like grading and lesson planning, allowing teachers to focus on student engagement.
In my schools, we integrate AI tools like ChatGPT to teach students about the world, from simple village life to the wonders of galaxies. Limited resources do not hinder our pursuit of global knowledge; AI makes it possible to access information from across the globe.
Efforts such as the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities in Islamabad hosted by the government of Pakistan are significant. This event brought together over 150 international dignitaries, including representatives from UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Bank.
The conference highlighted the challenges and opportunities in advancing girls’ education in Muslim communities. Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting gender equity in education. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration, outlining a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable educational reforms.
This conference stands as a testament to Pakistan's unwavering commitment to advancing education, not only within our country but also on a global scale.
Despite the challenges, education remains a beacon of hope. It has the power to lift millions out of poverty, promote peace and foster innovation, and to help individuals tackle global challenges such as climate change, inequality and technological disruption.
As we celebrate the International Day of Education, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality education. By embracing modern technologies like AI and fostering global collaboration, we can bridge the educational divide and prepare future generations for a brighter, more equitable world.
The writer is a Global Teacher Prize laureate and an advocate for education and empowerment