Education as a means of socio-economic change

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role played by education in an all-round empowerment of people. Definitions of the term ‘education’ by various scholars have been examined. Indicators of socio-economic status have been discussed and they include income, occupation and wealth among others. The means through which education was provided in African traditional societies was mainly informal. This paper also discusses the Kenyan experience of education from independence to the current situation. Such policies as the Free Primary Education (FPE) and the Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) and their role in empowering learners have been highlighted. Emerging issues in education such as Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Vision 2030 as well as international conventions in education, for instance, the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), are discussed. Comparatively, the Tanzanian experience has also been briefly highlighted. Right from independence, the Tanzanian Government aimed at advancing a system of education which promoted a socialist society. All policies were developed geared towards the achievement of this objective. The aim of this system of education was to promote a sense of social responsibility as well as the economic empowerment of all people. In conclusion, this paper highlights the fact that education can and has been a means of social stratification. It empowers those who acquire it because they can acquire jobs (all other factors held constant). However, for those who do not get accesses to formal schooling, their chances of being employed are reduced. For education to empower learners, what is offered in schools must reflect the wider society. The dominant group, in terms of socio-political and economic power must not impose their values, concepts and cultures on the minority group. The status quo of the social and economic gap between the rich and the poor should not be maintained or allowed to grow but should be eradicated so as to allow the empowerment of all members of the society.