Debate and opinion from the Politics, Philosophy & Economics Departments of Notting Hill & Ealing High School
Why Being Financially Literate Matters To Everyone Monica K
Swiftonomics: It's A ‘love Story’ Millie C
Is Art A Luxury Or A Necessity? Jaan W
Should Private Schools Be Abolished? Roxana Q
China & Overcapacity: How Is The Rest Of The World Affected? Nirupama K
Interview With Adam Smith - ‘the Most Influential Economist’ Rani P
Poverty And Inequality In Nigeria”: What Is The Government In Nigeria Doing Wrong? Mia M
How Prominent Is Malnutrition In Timor Leste? Oleena CS
Why Being Financially Literate Matters To Everyone
By Monica K, Y8
Secondary school students spend a big chunk of their day at school, but very little of their time spent there educates them about finances and managing money With people hearing a lot on the television and radio about public finances and public debt (especially during the election period) it is difficult for many to understand what is going on and how they are a part of it. Did you know that the UK public sector net debt (excluding the Bank of England) was £2,468.6 billion by the end of April 2024? This is money which needs to be paid back as it has the potential to fund several large-scale projects like renewable energy and affordable housing. Therefore understanding finances doesn’t just help someone manage their own money better; it can also help them understand complex topics like investing and borrowing responsibility for themselves or for the country
Financial education supposedly forms part of the school curriculum across the UK. Research shows, however, that many secondary schools are not delivering the financial education many children need to be financially literate later in life.
It is important that students have financial education, because if interventions are made at a young age they will enhance their financial capability later in life. The state of financial education in UK secondary schools was assessed in a 2023 research study by Compare the Market and financial education charity MyBnk The results of this study showed that only two in five of the young adult respondents were considered financially literate, which is less than half. Additionally, two thirds of the respondents claimed that they did not remember ever being educated in finance during their time in school. This exemplifies the fact that if the majority of students do not have access to financial education, they will struggle to be financially literate in the future. They will go into adulthood without having
received guidance, and will not have built the foundational knowledge required to understand financial skills such as budgeting and investing
Lack of financial education in schools can lead to people being unable to manage their money in the future and find themselves in debt later in life. Financially literate people are far less likely to go into debt than their peers who are not financially literate. This is significant because over half of young people were said to not be financially literate; all of those people will therefore have a higher chance of going into debt than if they had had an education on how to manage their finances. In a worst case scenario in which almost all people who are financially illiterate begin to go into even minor debt, the economy can go into a recession or make an already existing one deeper and longer
Now with the cost of living crisis it is important that people are careful with the way they handle their money, as many will struggle to pay for basic necessities such as water and electricity if they have not been taught how to effectively budget. If students are not taught to be cautious with their finances they may find themselves in situations where they become victims of inflation and the cost of living crisis. They are at risk of being left unable to pay for the things they need in their daily life and incapable of understanding the choices being made for them by politicians
To conclude, in order to prevent future generations from finding themselves struggling to pay for things (or even in debt), it is important that students are taught to be financially literate. The reason for this is that when they become adults and are responsible for their own finances they should feel confident in the way they are handling money. Schools should be able to provide them with that confidence.
Swiftonomics: It's A ‘love Story’
By Millie C, Year 12
Taylor Swift’s influence extends far beyond her music; it’s set to leave a lasting mark on UK cities, greatly boosting their economy The influx of concert-goers to the global pop sensation's numerous sold-out shows has led to substantial economic benefits for hosting cities. Remarkable impacts on various sectors from tourism and hospitality to local businesses and merchandise sales are also set to be experienced due to the much anticipated UK Eras Tour. With the first show kicking off on 7th June in Edinburgh, the UK leg of the Eras Tour (which celebrates Swift’s evolution as a record-breaking artist) is set to see attendees of one of her 15 sold-out UK shows spend £997 million, according to Barclay’s Swiftonomics report.
One of the most noticeable impacts of Swift's Eras Tour is on the hospitality and tourism industry Concertgoers are each predicted to splash out £848 on tickets, travel, accommodation, outfits, and other expenses. Beyond ticket costs, Swifties are set to spend the most on accommodation (£121), with other notable costs including travel (£111). It is also estimated Swifties will splash £59 on a pre-concert meal, boosting sales and increasing revenue at restaurants near the tour venues; this will have a positive effect on these local businesses due to increased demand. Cities hosting her concerts have also reported a significant increase in hotel bookings, often resulting in fully booked accommodations weeks in advance Data from AltIndex from June and August shows that hotels close to Taylor’s London venue have experienced an average price increase of 103%, with the price derived from what should be the cheapest available room.
Retailers are also expected to feel the positive effects of Swift's tour Merchandise sales, both official and unofficial, are anticipated to soar; with fans eager to purchase memorabilia to commemorate their experience, £79 is expected to be spent on official merchandise at the tour stops in London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Additionally, nearby stores and shopping centres could expect to enjoy increased foot traffic; it is estimated fans will spend £56 on clothing for the concert, with almost a fifth buying a new outfit especially for the big occasion. This will contribute to both the online and physical retail economy.
The economic impact of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is a classic example of the multiplier effect. The initial spending by fans on tickets and travel translates into higher earnings for local businesses, which in turn leads to increased spending by these businesses and their employees. This cycle of spending and re-spending magnifies the overall economic benefit.
Taylor Swift's Era's Tour has already proven to be more than just a series of concerts; it is an economic catalyst for the cities it visits, as is evident from her previous North American, Asian and Australian legs By drawing large crowds and encouraging spending across various sectors, Swift’s tour has had a significant positive impact on local economies. As Swift continues to tour and enchant audiences worldwide, the economic benefits she brings will likely continue. She is not only a musical powerhouse, but also an economic force to be reckoned with.
Is Art A Luxury Or A Necessity?
By Jaan W, Year 11
Art. Noun. the expression or application of human creative skill producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty.
This is the Oxford English Dictionary's definition and they seem to know what they’re talking about. But then I decided to click on several other of the 7.5 billion results Google presented me with having searched up “the definition of art”. During this research I found that art is also; a skill acquired by experience, practice and observation; works produced for an art gallery e g paintings and sculptures; dance and music; and one critical definition - anything recognised by its beholder for its beauty and evocation of emotions. So, what is art? Could it be intricate Renaissance paintings, carefully designed French opera houses, or even the first laugh of a child with its family? I propose that it is all of these, which significantly changes the perspective from which we approach the question “Is art a necessity or a luxury?”
So, what is art necessary for?
According to the philosopher Alain de Botton, art is a therapeutic force, a balm for the wounds of the soul In a world marked by stress and tumult, art provides solace, a sanctuary where we can grapple with our deepest fears and celebrate our most profound joys. I find this to be a little ambiguous. Does this refer to creating art or simply viewing it? If the former, the question of its luxurious nature is surely answered, as paints, easels and brushes do not come cheap; yet does that negate its role as a necessity? Many well-known artists would disagree. Van Gogh remained devoted to art his entire life, at times spending money on paints rather than food as he viewed them to be more essential. Although Van Gogh wasn’t exactly known for his stable mind, this does beg the question; can art be a necessity to one and a luxury to another dependent upon personal perspective, or is art a feature in everyone ’ s life whether they realise it or not? You don’t necessarily have to be an avid attendee of galleries and art events to experience art; my mother had a drawing of a cow in a field up on her desk that I drew when I
was six years old, and although I really thought I was the next Picasso it wasn’t very skilled. But when she moved jobs and couldn’t find my drawing, she told me her desk looked 10 times sadder and made her job 10 times drearier. Eliminating the possibility that she was just stroking my ego, I take from this that the average person going about their day-to-day life encounters different forms of art which affect their mood and productivity, meaning that art may be necessary even to those who wouldn’t consider themselves to be aficionados
So, can it be both?
It is implied by the very question ‘necessity vs luxury’ that the two are mutually exclusive. It is cold and binary to perceive something as either essential for our wellbeing or a frill, an indulgent pleasure. But art, a concept so abstract that it conjures 7.5 billion definitions, may be a necessity so enjoyable and fulfilling that it feels like a privilege, like a luxurious gift which has been bestowed upon humanity.
Now onto some examples of art’s power…
The myriad forms of art have been a constant companion throughout human history, inviting us to explore the depths of our emotions and the expanses of our imagination. Art has stood as a helpmeet since the cave paintings of Lascaux, the first prehistoric depictions of wildlife, to ‘The Death of Marat’ by Jacques-Louis David in 1793, considered to be one of the first political propaganda-based artworks. ‘The Death of Marat’ depicts doctor, philosopher and French revolutionary leader Jean Paul Marat, who was murdered in his bathtub by a woman he thought to be his friend but transpired to be an enemy member of an opposing political party. The work provides us with both historical context and a reflection on human nature Art has served as a form of propaganda during all major modern conflicts, including to great effect during World War I The prominent, powerful role which art has played in our history shows us that art has served as a mirror reflecting the soul of humanity for centuries.
We’ve seen how art can divide humanity in times of war and conflict, but doesn’t it also have the power to unite?
John F. Kennedy once remarked, "I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics but for our contribution to the human spirit " There lies in his words an acknowledgment of the enduring impact of art on our collective identity. Yet in our fast-paced, modern lives, some may question the necessity of art. Is it a mere luxury or is it a fundamental need that enriches our lives in profound ways? During the Covid-19 pandemic, art was taken up by many as a hobby to pass the time as we remained isolated at home and was arguably an essential tool with which we maintained our sanity. Pandemic art, such as the rainbows created by people of all ages and stuck in the windows to accompany a Thursday night clap, also served as a symbol of hope and gratitude to NHS workers in a challenging time This art lifted spirits around the UK, allowing for a physical representation of national unity during a bleak historical moment, and further demonstrating its indispensability.
Despite this, many argue that art is a luxury for the rich alone, and that only elite art professionals can appreciate art. Just as water and food are necessary fuels for the body, art is a necessary fuel for the soul, and yet neither are freely available to all. For many whose access to the ‘traditional’ art in the form of galleries, paintings and sculptures is restricted, the sway of trees in a warm gentle breeze or the smile of a loved one evokes the same emotions and creates
the same effect as an exquisite oil painting. This suggests that with the right outlook on life, art can be found in absolutely anything.
Music is in and of itself a form of art. With growing modern streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music (with which many of us are familiar), music is a widely available and enjoyed form of art Many state that music is an escape from reality, a way to transform your mood for the three minutes and twenty seconds during which a song plays. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and blood pressure; it has the power to allow people with nothing else in common to bond over the love of the same melody.
Art can act as a catharsis for our pain or hurt, expressing all that otherwise cannot be explained in words. For as we all know, a picture is worth a thousand of them. This is the beauty of art. It transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries to communicate the ineffable; it is the universal language The world-renowned Starry Night by Van Gogh comes to mind; I am sure that if I viewed it alongside someone from China, halfway across the world (and I don't speak Mandarin), we could stand together in the knowledge that it is one of the most beautiful things we have ever seen. We would not need to communicate that in words, because the beauty of the art speaks for itself. With its 7.5 billion definitions comes 7.5 billion perspectives on the nature and purpose of humanity. I don't know about you, but that sounds necessary to me.
Should Private Schools Be Abolished?
By Roxana Q, Year 10
Private schools. Gargantuan, imposing estates stretching as far as the eye can see, boaters and tailcoats, the birthplace of the political elite. Loved by some, hated by many. There is an increasing uproar calling for the abolition of private schools. Undoubtedly, the perception of private schools as both corrupt and elitist held by an overwhelming percentage of the public is the driving force behind this rallying cry However, to argue that private
schools are solely responsible for social segregation and liable for academic privilege, especially when neglecting to consider additional factors, is simply implausible.
The unconscious view that private schools teach and project elitist views, all whilst aiming to preserve their white-upper class group of students, stems from social media commentary and the
ancient stereotypes associated with these schools. It is needless to say that private schools may have deserved these stereotypes in the past, due to their former monolithic fashion. Arguably however, things have changed significantly. 35% of students attending fee-paying schools are funded by a bursary Moreover, many schools offer means-tested scholarships of up to 100%, which is suggestive of a more inclusive and open-minded view than most people initially perceive
To accuse private schools of being the main culprit for social segregation is to fail to acknowledge human nature. Even if private schools were to be abolished, the rich and elite of society would still live in nicer neighbourhoods, have nicer houses, and find a way for their children to receive an enhanced education. For these citizens, money is no object. Arguably, the abolition of private schools would only drive affluent parents to further isolate their children, moving to ensure their children the most opulent education, and paying for tutors to preserve their children's academic advantages
Private schools fundamentally benefit the economy more than many expect. Private schools provide as many jobs in the UK as Sainsbury’s, Co-op, and Asda combined. The abolition of private schools would therefore surely result in a detrimental increase in unemployment, further damaging an economy that is already in the depth of a cost-of-living crisis. Moreover, private schools supply Britain's economy with £16.5 Billion, a figure which has grown by a fifth in only four years. Therefore in light of the recent economic pressures
that Britain has been faced with, the abolition of private schools is surely not a sensible or reasonable step to take.
This argument would not be fully developed without reference to the effort which private schools expend fostering pupils' love for unorthodox subjects and nurturing life outside of the classroom Each year, more and more state schools are not supplied with adequate funding to allow them to coach and develop talented students in creative subjects such as Drama and Art. Furthermore, the sporting achievements of public schools continually prove to be outstanding. Schools like Harrow and St Paul’s are often deemed the best in the nation across a myriad of sports, from Rugby to Rowing. Their extensive funding from fees helps private schools to provide a basis for athletes to develop, and in some cases, progress to the Olympics or national teams.
The abolition of private schools continues to be a prevalent yet complex issue An adequate solution is not nearly as easy to attain as it may initially seem, with intertwined complexities and deep-rooted prejudices complicating the question. The media largely takes the view that they should indeed be abolished, with many reporters demonising the schools, emphasising their ‘elitist’ policies and fundamental inequality. However, it is essential to acknowledge these institution’s ongoing social relevance and the opportunities they provide; private schools help to shape our world as we know it and to drive future generations to prosperity and success
China & Overcapacity: How Is The Rest Of The World Affected?
By Nirupama K, Year 12
Ever since the Market Opening (改革开放) in 1978, China has dealt with the ongoing issue of overcapacity. China’s transition from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy opened up possibilities for manufacturers in terms of production and supply; at that point in time, China
had begun cementing itself as production leaders in many industries across the world.
As part of their 2024 economic targets, Beijing acknowledged that they had an issue with overcapacity in certain industries. An example of this overcapacity is the solar panel production industry;
China controls more than 80% of the market, a drastic contrast to the 36% of the global demand that it is accountable for. China’s overall unused capacity rates (otherwise known as aggregate utilisation rates) have continuously fluctuated around 75%, 5% below the capacity considered normal. This is mainly because China has been pushing economic growth since seeing sluggish consumption and the depression of their property market
In the modern day, the electric vehicle (EV) industry has a bright future; many countries are turning to EVs as one of many solutions to the climate crisis. China has taken a lead in this sector, and at the same time Western EV industries are taking a hit. The USA and Europe have been vocal about concerns of overcapacity in China around this specific industry, and the effect this may have on Western EV manufacturers; this has led to Beijing alleging that the West is exaggerating this problem due to protectionism. They argue that China is only filling a global shortage of capacity in new-energy
However, there really is a need to push back on production The modern Chinese economic system is such that when a governmental plan is drawn up, they will sharply increase domestic investment, whilst putting up tariffs and increasing protectionism in order to exclude foreign competitors and allow for the growth of domestic companies. Every province in the country then wants the same version of the good, so as demand increases, naturally supply follows. Market leaders are backed by the state and are therefore protected when any industry collapses; the biggest losers are international firms China is in this way cutting off
international manufacturers from entering their large domestic market. At the same time they dominate the global market themselves, leaving other countries struggling to keep up. This has been an issue ever since they entered the World Trade Organisation (WTO), allowing them to enter a greater number of global markets
However, the main reason they sell internationally is because of domestic overcapacity Take, for example, the year 2001, in which China joined the WTO; this led to overcapacity in capital-intensive industries due to increased investment in real estate. Only now are they finding ways to clear excess housing inventory by pledging US$41.5 billion to assist local governments. Over the last fifteen years the new-energy industry has seen an influx of new private firms and excessive supply which has meant that China is forced to sell overseas. Their overall production capacity increased, which guaranteed pressure from the West who were worried about their own industries Due to the combined factors of a fiercely competitive domestic market, numerous government subsidies and loose environmental policies, their production capacity naturally increased due to opportunity. Between the years of 2012 and 2016, China went through a tax-regime reform which meant that the majority of the tax burden was shifted from producers to consumers via Value-Added Tax (VAT). This incentivises the local governments of provinces to increase their respective investments in the manufacturing of various products. These governments have also recently gained the power to lower land prices, again fuelling overproduction and overcapacity once due to reduced production costs
The biggest issue for China in all of this is that government guidance funds are drying up and local governments are dealing with large amounts of debt, leaving several projects unfinished. It will cause greater tensions between China and the West, already proven by Janet Yellen’s (US Secretary of the Treasury) closing remarks at her talks in Beijing earlier this year. If overcapacity continues to be a problem (which is likely to happen seeing as it is a recurring issue for China), other countries will no longer have stakes in markets, as they will not be able to keep up with the speed and volume of production which China is capable of
Interview With Adam Smith - ‘the Most Influential Economist’
By Rani P, Year 12
Interviewer: Mr Smith, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today about some of your theories mentioned in your book ‘An Inquiry into the Nature and Cause of the Wealth of Nations,’ more specifically concerning the free market and the invisible hand.
Adam Smith: Thank you for having me. It's always a pleasure to discuss my work and how it changes our understanding of economics.
Interviewer: To begin, could you explain the concept of the ‘invisible hand’ and its role in the free market?
Adam Smith: Certainly. The ‘invisible hand’ is a metaphor I used to explain the self-regulating nature of the free market. It refers to the idea that individuals and firms, driven by their own self-interest, are inadvertently directed by the market's invisible hand. This process ensures that goods and services are produced and consumed in the most economically efficient way possible, resulting in the most effective allocation of scarce resources and increasing overall economic prosperity
Interviewer: And how does the concept of the invisible hand relate to the price mechanism in the free market?
Adam Smith: The price mechanism is essential as it acts as a signal to both producers and consumers. It refers to the system in which an economy's prices are determined by supply and demand. This process is key to establishing the prices of goods and services in a free market. It helps consumers and firms make decisions, guides the allocation of resources, and increases efficiency. By enabling prices to adjust freely, the price mechanism ensures the optimal utilisation of resources throughout the economy, thereby determining how resources are allocated
Interviewer: Given your fundamental ideas about economic theory, particularly the free market and the invisible hand as outlined in your book, what
role, if any, do you believe the government should play in the market?
Adam Smith: I do recognize that a lack of government intervention in the market may lead to market failure; for example, public goods are not provided in the free market due to a lack of profit incentive. Therefore I believe there should be some government intervention, but it should be limited. Their duties should include protecting national borders, enforcing civil law, and engaging in public works that the market cannot profitably provide, for example education Beyond these roles, any further intervention may be harmful as it disrupts the natural order of the market.
Interviewer: John Mayard Keynes has opposing views to yours and believes that government intervention is necessary to moderate economic booms and recessions. How would you counter this perspective?
Adam Smith: While Keynes raises important points about government intervention being essential for moderating economies during booms and busts, I believe that while some government intervention may be necessary in extreme situations, excessive government intervention can stifle the efficiencies and innovations that a free market naturally promotes. The market has natural self-correcting systems in place; these are driven by the invisible hand. These systems ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. Excessive government intervention can create dependency, reduce incentives for businesses to grow, and ultimately limit economic growth. Therefore it is crucial that government intervention in the market remains limited.
Interviewer: And how would you respond to Karl Marx, who argued that the free market, also known as the capitalist market, leads to the exploitation of the working class?
Adam Smith: Karl Marx raises significant concerns about the exploitation of the working class under capitalism; however, according to the economic
concepts I advocate, the fundamental principles of capitalism and the free market are based on voluntary exchanges in which both parties are driven by their own self-interest. This concept is illustrated in one of my well-known quotes “It's not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we receive our dinner, but from their regard to their own self-interest” This vital aspect of capitalism, where exchanges are made willingly and for mutual benefit, is crucial for understanding why exploitation is not an inevitable outcome. The capitalist system further allows for private ownership and this, when combined with a competitive market, results in a more efficient allocation of scarce resources. This allocation is supported by the dynamics of supply and demand.
Interviewer: Interesting; in your opinion, which modern economies best showcase the principles of your theories and correctly represent the concept of the free market?
Adam Smith: In my opinion, several modern economies reflect the principles of the free market, though each with their own modifications. For example, economies of nations such as Singapore and Hong Kong are widely recognised for the use of free market techniques. Hong Kong is known to have adhered to laissez-faire principles, fostering an environment with limited government intervention. This strategy emphasised the reduction of taxes and the minimization of trade restrictions, which fosters a favourable environment for entrepreneurship and attracts significant amounts of foreign investment.
Using the free market principles I articulated, Hong Kong has been able to become a significant business hub, demonstrating the advantages of a laissez-faire economic approach. Another economy that I feel reflects the principles of the free market effectively is Singapore. After initially obtaining independence following World War II, Singapore adopted an interventionist approach to encourage economic growth This method differed from the laissez-faire approach I favour, which promotes minimal government intervention in an economy. However, over time Singapore has continued to integrate free market principles into its economic structure. This flexible method demonstrates how a mixed economic approach can reflect the ideals of free market principles by encouraging competition, ensuring effective resource allocation, and boosting overall economic growth. Both Hong Kong and Singapore demonstrate how free market principles can lead to prosperous economies. They both prove how my theories can be effectively implemented in modern circumstances, leading to economic success
Interviewer: Mr Smith, it's been a pleasure to discuss these concepts with you. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today and helping me understand more about how your theories have influenced today's economy.
Adam Smith: Thank you for having me, it's been a pleasure to discuss some of the theories I mention in my book ‘An Inquiry into the Nature and Cause of the Wealth of Nations’, and how they have influenced today's economy.
Poverty And Inequality In Nigeria: What Is The Government In Nigeria Doing Wrong?
By Mia M, Year 10
I argue that Nigeria does not treat their citizens equitably, resulting in millions of people living in poverty and unable to afford the basic necessities of life. So, are Nigerians living in an unfair society?
85% of the Nigerian population survive on less than $2 a day. These citizens have an earning potential of around $774 75 a month yet earn less than half of
that. 40% of the total population of Nigeria, almost 83 million people, live below the country’s poverty line. Millions of Nigerian citizens struggle in their day-to-day lives. Although Nigeria is generally a wealthy country, it is extremely corrupt, leaving many struggling to survive and without access to basic necessities such as food, water and education. Those born into poverty are unable to escape their situation and those born into wealth offer them no material assistance, meaning little change is
achieved. The Nigerian Government aims to lift 100 million people out of poverty by 2030, but since COVID-19 Nigeria has faced huge economic challenges and is predicted to go into its deepest recession to date, pushing even more people into poverty.
Starvation is a big problem in Nigeria; the five richest men in Nigeria could solve this issue not only on a local but a national scale; yet more than 5 million Nigerians face hunger on a daily basis. Every year more and more people face starvation due to abject poverty; nearly 25 million Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger between June and August 2023. Prices are soaring due to the cost of living crisis, and climate change is not helping; Nigeria is enduring a massive food crisis and extreme hunger. There is a food shortage and parents are being forced to sacrifice meals to be able to feed their children, sometimes not eating for days. There have been tragic stories of families being forced to leave their homes to find food, and having to leave elderly loved ones behind because they are too weak to face the long journey on foot to an unknown destination
11.4% of children born in Nigeria have reportedly died before reaching the age of five due to acute hunger, and there are 2 million children who are starving in Nigeria. An estimated 2.9 million people are currently critically food insecure; this figure is projected to increase to 4.3 million in the lean season if urgent action is not taken. There are many charities helping Nigerians in starvation (like The British Red Cross) but there are few charities owned and operated in Nigeria
Education suffers from a dearth of Governmental attention and faces multiple challenges; poor funding, inadequate classrooms, and a lack of teaching aids. Without a proper education, children's choices in life will be limited. Children are being deprived of their education and are not being treated fairly. Even though primary education is officially free and compulsory, about 10.5 million of the
country's children aged 5-14 years are not in school. One cause of this is that children are being taken out of school to work to earn money or sent to beg in nearby towns. 62.02% of Nigeria is educated, but this still leaves 37.98% of Nigeria’s citizenry uneducated; just above half of the Nigerian population is educated, but it should and could be much higher The Government is not doing enough to help secure children's futures by failing to provide them with a good education; adequate schooling would help to lift them out of poverty and provide for their families.
There is a considerable degree of inequality in Northern Nigeria. Boko Haram is one manifestation of this. Nigeria struggles to keep the peace between Fulani herdsmen and regional farmers in order to prevent violence between the groups across the country. An escalation in violence over the last year has meant that the Boko Haram insurgency is at its most deadly These conflicts have resulted in over two million citizens becoming Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in addition to those that have fled the country altogether It is estimated that over 7000 Christians have been killed by the Fulani. The number of Christians killed due to Islamic violence has increased by 60%. A study estimated that more than 2,200 of 4,761 Christians killed around the world in 2020 died in Nigeria due to the actions of radical Islamists. The Nigerian Government has proved to be ineffective in resolving these conflicts and injustices, failing to protect their citizens.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Government has made attempts to tackle the problems it faces but has not done enough to ensure its people can thrive and to lessen inequality and poverty Nigerian citizens should have the right to a good education; this would provide them with better life prospects and may help reduce poverty (and therefore starvation) across the nation.
How Prominent Is Malnutrition In Timor Leste?
By Oleena CS, Year 9
Timor Leste, the world's fourth youngest nation, has an ongoing problem with hunger. A root cause of this issue is insufficient fertile soil, meaning lower crop production, which in turn leads to economic instability and rural poverty. However, Timor Leste is making efforts to address this, in particular by assisting their malnourished youth population.
Malnutrition is predominant in Timor Leste This is due to many factors; for example, as an island nation, Timor Leste imports 60% of their food in order to mitigate shortages caused by local production issues. Additionally, climate change will significantly affect Timor Leste as they are close to the Equator, leaving them particularly vulnerable to natural disasters; such events can harm their crops and will be more prevalent in the upcoming years. It is also a problem that the food productivity is low in Timor Leste, due to only 11% of the land being arable. They additionally lack equipment in order to properly irrigate their soils. In 2020, a combination of Covid-19 and African Swine Fever caused 129,000 pigs to die (28% of the total population), leading to a national pork shortage The disease took an estimated year to spread through villages and affected 70% of all households This pork shortage resulted in further pressure upon the food system, and with the impact of Covid-19 resulting in increased food prices, importing became significantly more economically challenging. Statistics compiled by the World Health Organisation in August 2022 state that 47% of children under five years of age in Timor Leste are stunted due to adequate nutrition, 8.6% suffer from acute malnutrition and 23% of women aged 15-49 years of age are anaemic. The statistics provide a concrete indication of the scale of the hunger crisis in Timor Leste
The World Health Organisation, alongside the Ministry of Health and Education, launched the Say No To 5s project on 8 March 2022. This project seeks to target starvation, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, skin diseases, smoking and sugary beverage/alcohol consumption. It aims to reduce incidences of preventable disease and protect the population of Timor Leste. A donation of $7.8
million USD has been made by the Korean International Cooperation Agency in order to maintain the project until 2025 The project aims to reach 300,000 children over the next couple years, ensuring schools are able to feed them the proper nutrients and vitamins, as well as giving schoolchildren regular check-ups and the necessary medicines to maintain their health. This demonstrates that Timor Leste have both identified this issue and taken steps to improve the wellbeing of their citizens; the government of Timor Leste has clearly indicated their concern for the health of their youth population. Furthermore, UNICEF works to make sure every child in Timor Leste has access to proper nutrition, sanitation and proper health. One in every 24 children in Timor Leste do not live to see their fifth birthday The Say No To 5s project demonstrates the government’s determination to improve outcomes for those in untenable situations.
Alongside hunger, poverty is also a significant national issue; approximately 80% of the poor households in Timor Leste live in rural areas and are reliant on agriculture as their main source of income. They are therefore most vulnerable to the destructive impacts of natural disasters. 37% of people aged 15 to 24 are illiterate in rural regions, compared to 6% in urban areas This clearly demonstrates the enormous disparity in access to education between the rural poor and urban wealthy To redress this imbalance, the government of Timor Leste set a goal in 2010 to provide all of its citizenry with the fundamentals of education. The percentage of educational enrolment has grown from 67% to 83%, allowing both children and adults to increase their potential earning power through proper education. This suggests that attempts by the government of Timor Leste to mitigate hunger have flagged up the need to tackle further social issues, such as poverty in rural areas
In conclusion, malnutrition is predominant in Timor Leste due to their relative lack of arable land. Constant food shortages result in knock-on effects such as increased poverty rates. Nevertheless, the Timor Leste government continues to work to resolve these issues.
Summer Reading Suggestions
From parenting to organ donation, housing to anti-social behaviour, economics provides the tools we need to fix the biggest issues of today. Far from being a means to predict the stock market or enrich the elite, economics provides a lens through which we can better understand how things work, design clever solutions and create the conditions in which we can all flourish
With a healthy dose of optimism, and packed with stories of economics in everyday situations, Erik Angner demonstrates the methods he and his fellow economists use to help improve our lives and the society in which we live. He shows us that economics can be a powerful force for good, awakening the possibility of a happier, more just and more sustainable world.
'Why is there so much inequality?' asked Xenia to her father Answering her questions in a series of accessible and tender letters, Varoufakis educates her to what economics and capitalism is and why it is so dangerous
Taking from memories of her childhood and a variety of well-known tales - from Oedipus and Faust to Frankenstein and The Matrix - Varoufakis turns Talking To My Daughter into an enjoyable and engaging read, without ever shying from the harder truths. Greece's former finance minister explains everything you need to know to understand why economics is the most important drama of our times.
In answering his daughter's deceptively simple questions, Varoufakis disentangles our troubling world with remarkable clarity and child-like honesty, as well as inspiring us to make it a better one.
