SCHOLARSHIPS: A CONTROVERSIAL ROUTE TO TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATION
By Mwila Agatha Zaza
F
or many children in developing economies, money is the single most insurmountable rift between them and school.
A child’s family can be motivated and willing to send their child to school and many parents make huge sacrifices to ensure their children get an education. It’s not unknown for families to sacrifice meals and other necessities to afford fees and the other costs associated with school. However, in UNICEF’s words “Poverty remains one of the most obstinate barriers” to attaining an education. For any nonprofit supporting students through school and finding funding for scholarships can be a difficult endeavor with many funders not being fans of the traditional model of supporting individual students. Regardless, education, whether formal or informal, forms the basis of every society. It impacts the economic, social, and political growth and development of the community and its individuals. In the contemporary era, school is a crucial stage in human development. Through school, children gain valuable communication, empathy, and engagement skills. Most students will obtain a general education that broadens their outlook on the world, preparing them for the future.
Mwila Agatha Zaza is an independent consultant with two decades experience in international development. Her focus is on supporting NGOs across the world in fundraising communications, including in proposal development, strategic planning and optimising digital presence.
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