Education Is Still The Key To Success

A Journey of Hope and Dreams

Recently, we\’ve noticed instances of graduates who\’ve destroyed their certificates, some expressing their frustration on social media, several abandoning their qualifications due to unmet career expectations, and most recently, a young man self-immolating due to being unable to secure employment despite his qualifications.

Additionally, in fact, individuals who bypassed formal schooling have been said to achieve greater prosperity than their educated counterparts. This notion also often emerges as a justification when individuals stumble in their examinations. Engaging in a discussion recently with my peers, a revelation struck us: that all our years so far have been confined to the pursuit of academic excellence. This prompted contemplation on the utility of our education—would it genuinely guide us toward success?

Also read: Dr. Maillu’s Perspective on Science and Witchcraft

Nevertheless, I am resolute in asserting that formal education is indeed beneficial, playing a pivotal role in shaping our society. This assertion is rooted in the fact that our contemporary society thrives due to the presence of skilled professionals, experts, and individuals possessing advanced knowledge – attributes fostered by education. Notably, an interesting observation arises: a significant proportion of those who hold the belief that education holds minimal value have themselves undergone some form of education that enabled them to formulate such opinions. Moreover, another cohort of individuals who perceive education as inconsequential heavily relies on the guidance of those who have received formal education to navigate the complexities of their daily challenges.

However, what does it mean to be educated? It doesn\’t necessarily require being a top student or going to the university. If you\’ve attended a school, acquired knowledge that has influenced you, and now you\’re even able to read this article, there\’s no need to search elsewhere for educated individuals. In fact, you should join me to convey to the world the positive impact education has had on improving lives and save the youth from despairing.

Register for an event: Level Up Women In Business Summit

I contend that the society has been shaped by education for two reasons, in the form of stories- One is from a WhatsApp status post I saw from Pharminus Ochora, he\’s a friend, we met in student politics during our tenure at the Technical University of Kenya. In his post, he had captioned his photograph with a caption that read \’gone are the days when I used to think Egypt and Israel are countries in heaven.\’ It was funny but I can almost confirm that if Pharminus would not have been taken to school, he could still be holding to such thoughts. For your information, Ochora is a Biological and Life Scientist awaiting graduation.

The second story is actually about me, I had grown up hearing stories and believing that all people who can steal from you without you noticing use witchcraft to do it untill I recently discovered some drugs criminals use to make their prey unconscious and defenseless. Had it not have been for education, I could not have found myself in the space where I made such a discovery.

The advantages of education are boundless, with securing a dream job merely being the tip of the iceberg. Education kindles enlightenment, dispelling ignorance. It takes us to places, introducing us to remarkable individuals who shape our life narratives. It empowers children of the poor to reason on par with, or surpass, children of the rich. Beyond careers, qualifications unlock unforeseen opportunities. Personally, I\’ve engaged in unexpected roles, for instance, I was a clerk, like some of you in the 2022 general elections, a task not essentially taught in school.

Also read: Africa\’s True Liberation

Ngugi Wa Thiong\’o, in his work \’Weep Not Child\’, says that it was after going to school, when he realized that stories could also be taught at daytime and not only at night when his mother used to narrate to them. Indeed, not only telling them, Ngugi has also written some of the worlds renowned stories.

If you recognize that some processes are faster and easier when you have knowledge probably gained in a class or through instruction, if it advances who you are basically, then you are a successful person and education is indeed the key to success.

By Boniface Muema Harrison