In any part of the world, education is dealt with the highest importance after military defence. In Singapore, 17% of the government’s total expenditure is directed towards education. A very clear example would be the SkillsFuture movement introduced in Budget 2015. It is important to note that education does not refer to mere book studying within the four walls of the classroom, but also the acquisition of skills, values and beliefs. Thus, education does not stop after one graduates from school; it is a lifelong process and a pivotal factor to an individual’s development.

To have an enriching life

We feel bored when we keep doing the same monotonous things over and over again, but we feel excited and curious when we get to do new things. This is called the joy of learning. New topics and events interest us because we get to learn and fill our brains with knowledge and enjoy new experiences. Education hence enriches a person’s life because it improves and enhances our view of things. We get exposed to a spectrum of perspectives and most importantly, we learn what is crucial for survival. According to a study, infant mortality rates decrease significantly for women who have had education at the primary school level, and even more so if they have completed secondary school. It is estimated that the infant mortality decreases by 9% for every year of education attained. When men and women are equipped with the knowledge on health issues, the cycle of poverty as well as mortality rate reduces.

Furthermore, education keeps a person’s mind healthy and active. Though it has no scientific basis, health experts believe that those who had higher levels of learning such as those who have a university and postgraduate education are least likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

To live an empowered life

Literacy refers to the ability of a person aged eight and above to read and write simple sentences. To be empowered is to be given the authority and power, and hence become stronger and more confident in controlling one’s life. Without education, one may not be able to understand their rights fully. Hence, lacking basic reading and writing skills is a great disadvantage; it not only enriches an individual’s life but also creates opportunities for people to develop useful skills for them to provide for themselves and their families.

Education allows people to acquire skills that may deem them important to the society, where they can contribute their efforts to improving the country, gain the responsibility to do more things in life and hence find employment opportunities. Furthermore, education matures a person’s mind when they learn to view matters from different perspectives and be able to consider advantages and disadvantages.