Education Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Education - Research Paper Example Education’s vital role in molding humanity makes it necessarily be accessible for all. All governments of the world are compelled to make education affordable for everyone. It is the obligation of the state to take necessary measures to promote, protect and avail their citizens the right to education. However, despite of the fact that education as a right is acknowledged universally, millions of people throughout the world had yet to enjoy this right. According to Global Issues, nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or even just sign their names. Meanwhile, UNICEF data reveals that there are 121 M children out of education worldwide. In 2005, about 72 million primary school ages, wherein 57 percent were girls, were not able to study. Aside from these problems, education is perceived to become more marginalized in the years to come as governments all over the world tend to reduce if not cut-off their budget to education to cope up with the globa l economic crisis. Given this situation, this paper will delve on the current situation of the educational system. How far have the governments of the world gone in making education accessible for the people? Or are measures being taken by the governments only aggravate the already serious data of lack of education? Salient Features of Education According to the CESCR, there are four salient features of education namely: availability, accessibility, acceptability and adaptability. For this paper, two major features will be elaborated. Availability means that there should be adequate numbers of educational institutions and programs existing within the jurisdiction of the State. These educational institutions should follow sound technical requirements to function effectively, from sanitation facilities to trained and well-compensated teachers. Another important feature of education is accessibility which means that education must be enjoyed by all without discrimination. Accessibility was further described by the CESCR with three interrelated aspects: non-discrimination which means that education must be served above all to the most vulnerable sectors of the society; physical accessibility which ensures that education is within a safe and well-located; and economic accessibility which ensures that education should be free for all, this also requires the State gradually commence free secondary and higher education (Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights). Education in peril Despite of the numerous international conventions and obligations in securing education’s accessibility to all, state responsibility to education seems to have gradually diminished. Over the years, budget cut on education has been a world-wide phenomenon. In America, public school system is being assaulted with budget cuts. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, at least 43 states have cut assistance to public colleges and universities which reduced faculty and staff and consequently increased tuition fees. Budget cuts to K-12 education have also been implemented in at least 34 states plus the District of Columbia (Nicholas Johnson). To name a few: In Minnesota, around 9,400 students will lose