In Africa, as in any country, receiving a quality education is essential in preparing for success. An article from Gallup shares that “investments in education can pay off for generations in Africa.” What is the key to education in Africa? The key to education is universal: the key is parents.
Africans surveyed in 2013 are far more likely to have attended secondary school if both parents have completed primary education.
The article reports that even if only “one parent has a primary education, the likelihood of his or her child completing secondary education more than doubles.” Mothers are especially influential, as evidenced by this chart below:
Since mothers especially have a powerful effect on their children’s academic achievement, the article stresses the importance of strengthening girl’s education in Africa. Of course, access to education for everyone is essential. The article reports that:
“More than four in 10 Africans Gallup surveyed choose education when asked what is most valuable for someone in their country to succeed in life. Although many believe family and social connections (30%), intelligence (17%), and a strong work ethic (12%) are also valuable, Africans clearly view education as the most important ingredient for success.”
The article summary revisits this idea of the parent effect:
the “parent effect,” combined with a true understanding of the value of education, creates an environment where children are more likely to learn and achieve higher goals.
Parents matter. Parents are influential. Parents are the key to education. To read my blog series on the power of parental engagement, click here. To watch my YouTube video on parental engagement, click here.