Education and Its Many Forms

There’s such a saying that education is key. 

 

But what does that actually really mean? There is an ideology when we mention education, we automatically think of an institutionalised setting with tables and books. In many parts of the world having an “education” is seen as a privilege and some may see education as a part of life. If we look at Nigeria and its place within education, it is something that is glorified and praised if you have achieved especially in further education. However, many cannot afford education or putting their children in education.  

Can “education” take place in different aspects of life?

 

When you type in education in a search bar it automatically comes up as an institutionalised process of learning through school or university. Firstly, let's define what education is perceived as, the dictionary defines education as the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at school or university.  M.J Langeveld who happened to be a teacher saw education as every interaction that occurs between adults and children is educational work in progress. In other words

 

This leads to the question are there other forms of education?

 

Maybe you’ve heard of the metaphor it takes a village to raise a child. Within the Nigerian community, this is very true whether it's your neighbours, aunties or uncles they all contribute to your learning in life which can be perceived as a form of education. Every day in life we learn new things whether from school, friends, family or neighbours it contributes to who we are today. Not all Nigerians are interested in the institutionalised aspect of education or may not have the financial means for it. Some Nigerians are looking for ways to solve their issues such as financial solutions such as kids not going to school and going to the market instead. However, you can look at the negative aspects of those things, kids getting involved in things and young kids being exploited but that’s a whole other conversation. But if we look at the positive aspect’s kids learn to be street smart, how to manage money, sell items and negotiate, in which European or westerners never have the opportunity to achieve this until a later age nor have that experience or knowledge. 

 

Education doesn’t always have to take place in an institutionalised setting it can take place in many forms whether at home, in your village, with friends, family, neighbours and even electronic. We learn in many different ways having a systematic level of education doesn’t define your intelligence.

Writer: Zee

Editor(s): Zee & Awe Olufunso

Publisher: Awe Olufunso