The programme officer of the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) has reiterated how crucial education is in the development of a child, a people and a nation.

Mrs. Musukuta Badjie made this remark while delivering a speech recently at the 5th graduation ceremony of SOS Hermann Gmeiner Upper Basic School held at the school’s compound. 

"Education is also an enabling right, a right that facilitates children and adults access many of their other rights throughout their lifetimes," the CPA programme officer said.

She added that education has an important role to play in empowerment "because it supports democratic action, is a means to promote child right and social right, and can equip individuals and group with the skills to move on in their lives".
Education must address the best interests and ongoing development of the child, she said, adding: "This means that education should be child centred, it should also be directed towards a child’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development."

Mrs. Badjie continued: "The preparation of the child for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin; is another advantage of being educated."

She added that only people who are ‘educated’ could take effective part in the development of their community and country. "Only people who have access to education can eventually take effective part in discussions to shape the destinies of their countries and communities," she underscored.