Status of Education
“Education is not only a right but a passport to human development. It opens doors and expands opportunities and freedoms. It contributes to fostering peace, democracy and economic growth as well as improving health and reducing poverty” (“Education for All (EFA) Overview”, n.d.). Education is viewed as one of the most important factors in life. Countries have taken the initiative to better their education systems. One of the most effective initiatives is the UN Secretary-General’s Global Initiative on Education, “Global Education First Initiative” (GEFI), which was launches in September 2012. The Education First Initiative strives to push a global movement for education by 2015 and years succeeding. The initiative has three main priorities: To put every child in school, to improve the quality of learning, and to foster global citizenship.
Brazil is slowly achieving these educational goals. The country “has reported significant advances in the field of universal education in the last two decades” (“Education for All in Brazil”, 2014). Brazil was invited by the UN Secretary-General to serve as a “Champion Country” for the initiative in order to “galvanize support and visibility for the initiative among governments. The Champion Countries seek to catalyze political and financial supports for education by leading by example and advocating for GEFI” (“Champion Countries”, n.d.). Brazil follows the first priority of the Global Education First Initiative by providing free and affordable education for its people. Fundamental education (first to ninth grade) is free for everyone (including adults), and mandatory for children between the ages of 6-14. Secondary education (first to third grade, equivalent to U.S. tenth through twelfth grades) is free, but not mandatory. Higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels) is free at public universities. (“Brazilian Educational System”, n.d). Offering free and affordable school means more students will attend and complete school. According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Brazil had a primary education completion rate of nearly 95% among 15 to 19 years in the year of 2008 (2011). Brazil has shown secondary school enrollment growth between 2000 and 2008 from 72.8% to 81% (UNESCO, 2011, p. 2). |
Additionally, Brazil has improved their quality of learning by providing more funding for education and setting up programs that are designed to better education.“ In 2013, the government passed the new law that stipulates 75% of Brazil’s oil royalties will go to education…The amount of royalties expected over the next year is projected to be about USD 800 million” (“Brazil”, n.d.). Brazil has put more money into education in order to start improving it. Moreover, Brazil is helped by other programs to better their education. The Lemann Foundation and Stanford University have launched a new center “aimed at developing new approaches to improve learning in Brazilian public schools” (Yuen, 2012). The Lemann Center for Educational Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Brazil will last ten years and will work towards improvement through teacher training and preparation programs, educational policy researchers and technological innovation programs that would transform Brazil’s education (“Motivation”, 2014).
Lastly, Brazil fosters global citizenship through its Constitution. The Brazilian Constitution, which was established in 1988, sets guidelines for education. “Education is a right for all, duty of the State and of the family, and is to be promoted with the collaboration of society, with the objective of fully developing the person, preparing the individual for the exercise of citizenship and qualifying him/her for work” (“Brazil-Education”, n.d). The fact that Brazil’s Constitution states this, shows how much they value citizenship and having their citizens contribute to the world. Schools in Brazil have ensured that they educate as their Constitution indicates. Overall, Brazil has become more innovative in improving their education. They have come a long way from where they were before. Brazil continues setting goals to become a better, more educated country. |
This graph shows how much Brazil's Secondary attendance and enrollment rates have increased dramatically in the past thirty years.
Source: Brazil: Secondary attendance/enrollment. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.childinfo.org/files/LAC_Brazil.pdf |
This graph displays how the percent of students from rural and urban areas who attend primary and secondary education. The numbers have increased possibly because public education is more accessible in the country.
Source: Off to school, most of the time. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://affordablehousinginstitute.org/blogs/us/2010/10/pay-for-empowerment-part-2-the-urban-challenge.html |
Oil Production/Consumption |
Globalization & Economy |
Oil Production: 2.108 million bbl/day
Oil Consumption: 2.594 million bbl/day Summarize: I found that Brazil is the eigth largest energy consumer in the world and the tenth largest producer in the world. This leads to the conclusion that Brazil relies heavily on the use of oil and other energy sources. It is also a resourceful country. Brazil's living conditions, therefore, are based on energy use. They must become more energy efficient because although the country has the resources, they can run out or harm the environment. The high demand of energy calls for more energy-efficient alternatives. Another conclusion that can be drawn is that Brazil's economy benefits from its production. The U.S. is one of the countries that imports oil from Brazil. Brazil is one of the largest producers in the world and their economy should be reflective of it. Contemplate: How does the government go about regulating energy consumption? What alternatives does Brazil use? What countries import from Brazil? |
Brazil has close ties with the country of China in terms of global interdependence. With China being its largest export partner, the country could both benefit and have its drawbacks. Brazil's economy could reflect that of China's. For example, if China's economy goes under, Brazil's economy could as well. As long as China and Brazil's other trade partners are economically stable, then Brazil will advantage.
Brazil's economy is a moderately free market. The country is abundant in the resources of coffee beans, sugarcane, and minerals. In Brazil, labor distribution is based on mines and plantations. Compared to its neighboring countries, Brazil has the largest economy in Latin America and is the world's eighth largest economy by nominal GDP. Brazil partners in trade to export their resources with hundreds of countries including the U.S., China, Argentina, Germany and Japan. Brazil's GDP is in the trillions and is compared at sixth in the world. This means that Brazil has a growing economy and is one of the most economically abundant countries in the world. Brazil's quality of living, however, is still considered poor. The population below the poverty line is 21.4%, with 4.2% being below the "extreme" poverty line. This could be because wealth is unevenly distributed in the country. |