Poverty is an issue that plagues the Caribbean. It is not unique to this region, but it does have a stronghold on the territory. It is said that education is the key to escape poverty. This essay shall discuss education’s role in reducing poverty in the Caribbean.
Education is a pathway out of poverty as it can enable persons to get higher than average paying jobs. According to official employment statistics, persons who hold an Associate’s Degree earn 60% more than those who hold a School Leaving Certificate. Persons who hold an Undergraduate Degree earn 420% more than persons who hold a School Leaving Certificate. A person holding an Undergraduate Degree is much more likely to escape poverty than the holder of the School Leaving Certificate. 420% more income a month means the ability to not live in squalor. It means the ability to provide for one’s shelter needs outright by paying a mortgage, or affording to lease an apartment or house, which by definition makes them not poor.
Education also by its very nature breaks the cycle of poverty. Poverty, or the inability to provide for one’s basic needs has many causes. Lack of education on how to use birth control can stymie persons’ upward financial movement, as they cannot increase their education to get a higher paying job, because they must care for their offspring. When Caribbean persons are educated on the high cost of raising children, and the measures one can take to prevent untimely conception, they are less likely to be poor over a lifetime. Educated persons make choices that are great for their future. They can obtain their education, set themselves up to earn a living wage, and then create their family, which breaks the cycle of poverty as persons would be well informed on reproduction and able to provide for their needs.
Education can reduce poverty in the Caribbean by encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets. When persons are exposed to the science of business and accounting and economics, they do tend to try their hand at creating their own businesses. Some of these businesses do become successful, and with this earned income, persons can provide for their clothing and food needs, which eliminates poverty. Business education does a lot to reduce poverty in the Caribbean. Persons can take their love of local culture, like tuning steelpans and create a self-sustaining enterprise.
Poverty eradication via education is a challenge in the Caribbean. Governments may not earn enough revenue to allocate an adequate number of resources towards educating persons. It is great in theory to speculate on the methods to eradicate poverty, but putting these ideas into practice is often a hard ask in the Caribbean.
Education can play a huge role in eradicating poverty in the Caribbean. Educated persons can gain access to higher paying jobs to cover their basic needs. Educated persons can make better choices for their future and set themselves up for financial success. Educated persons can start businesses that become profitable and support themselves. Lack of revenue in Caribbean countries can be a hindrance towards helping persons leave poverty. If Caribbean governments are serious about alleviating this social ill, they must prioritize educating their populations.
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