Lessons from History: How G20 nations journeyed towards quality education

The G20 Summit was held in Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from September 9 to 10, 2023 with the purpose of addressing major global issues related to economy, financial stability, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development, just to mention a few.

As this event remains the biggest highlight of this month, it is only right to seize this opportunity to deepen our comprehension of the world. During this Summit, numerous resolutions based on education were discussed to improve the prospects for the global future.

And veritably so, education has a paramount role in building superior times ahead. Therefore, the history and evolution of education in some of the prominent nations demand great attention. So, let’s understand the trailblazing past of some prominent countries that can pave the way for an enlightening future. Read On.

The United States:

·        Back in 1635, the very first public school was established in Boston, but it was a boys-only club called the Boston Latin School.

·        Before formal schools, education was a bit like a DIY project. Parents and clergymen did most of the teaching in the American colonies. It was pretty informal.

·        In the mid-19^thcentury, the Common School Movement was initiated. Imagine a movement that said, “Let’s make sure every community has a school!” That’s what the Common School Movement did. It passed the way for free, locally funded schools that were open to all white students.

·        In 2002, a superhero called the No Child Left Behind Act arrived and its mission was to make K-12 education better by setting standards, holding schools accountable, and helping students from all backgrounds succeed.

·        In 2023, the USA will have a whopping 5,000+ colleges and universities in the U.S. It’s like a diverse smorgasbord of higher education opportunities!

Also Read: G20 Declaration: Members commit to inclusive, equitable, high-quality education

China:

·        In ancient China, education was highly prized. It was all about Confucianism, a belief system that emphasised personal ethics and moral values.

·        Fast forward to 1919, when a student protest in Beijing ignited the May Fourth Movement. This Movement was a big deal because it pushed for modernising education in China. It’s like a turning point in China’s intellectual history.

·        Now, let’s talk about the wild years from 1966 to 1976. Traditional education took a backseat during this time, and Communist ideology took the driver’s seat. Everything was about sharing—wealth, resources, you name it. Private ownership? Not a chance.

·        Soon after the Cultural Revolution settled down, China had a change of heart. They embraced economic reforms and started sending students abroad for education.

·        Well, China proudly boasts the world’s largest education system, with a whopping 260 million students enrolled at various levels of education. That’s a lot of eager learners!”

Russia:

·        In the pre-revolutionary era, Russia followed Tsarist Russia Education (1900-1917), where education was like a VIP club, with exclusive access granted mainly to the nobility and clergy. It was as rare as finding a diamond in the rough. Who got to join this elite club, and what made it so exclusive?

·        From the 1920s to the 1980s, in the Soviet Union, the education system was like a secret society, with a focus on ideological indoctrination and technical wizardry. Here, education was highly centralised.

·        Mikhail Gorbachev, a Soviet and Russian politician served as the eighth and final leader from 1985 to 1991. Under his leadership, Soviet education took a U-turn. Suddenly, the textbooks were rewritten, and students were encouraged to think outside the box. It was like the Soviet Union’s “educational perestroika.”

·        By 1991, Russia looked like a phoenix rising from the ashes of the Soviet Union. Education became a playground for creativity and innovation. It was like a canvas waiting for the next Picasso.

·        Today, in Russia, education is as free as a bird in the sky. Citizens can spread their wings from early schooling to higher education without the weight of tuition fees. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving. How has this shift impacted the current generation of students?

India:

·        In ancient India, education was nurtured in serene ‘gurukuls.’ But what truly sets India apart is the ancient Nalanda University, dating back to the 5th century CE.

·        During the British Colonial Period, education in India experienced a wave of change, by introducing modern education and establishing institutions like Calcutta University in 1857. It was like turning a new page in India’s educational history.

·        By 1953, India set up the University Grants Commission (UGC), akin to appointing a guardian for higher education.

·        India made history by enacting the Right to Education Act in 2009, guaranteeing education as a fundamental right for all children aged 6 to 14. This Act was like a promise of a brighter future for every child.

·        Today, the country boasts one of the world’s largest education systems, featuring renowned institutions like IITs and IIMs, known for producing top-tier engineers and business leaders.

Japan:

·        Education was deeply influenced by Confucianism initially. It was a world filled with classical texts, poetry, and a strong emphasis on ethics.

·        In 1868, a pivotal moment in the nation’s educational journey was experienced when the Meiji government ushered in modernisation, introducing compulsory education and a centralised curriculum. This move shattered economic class barriers and opened the doors of education for all.

·        After the tumultuous period of World War II, Japan underwent educational reforms. The goal was clear: promote democracy while reducing militarism. It was like sculpting a new path for Japan’s education system.

·        Today, Japan has a compulsory education system in place, ensuring that every child has access to basic education until the age of 15. It’s a commitment to provide a strong foundation for all young learners.

Undoubtedly, these G20 superpowers have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in their education system. As these nations convene in pursuit of a brighter global future, it is evident that education remains the linchpin for achieving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and addressing the pressing challenges of our time. Notably, the past has shown us that it is the dedication to shaping inclusive, modern, and forward-thinking educational systems that will illuminate the path forward.