Education - key to success - 1 Jun 2009

"Study, study, study," were the wise words imparted upon my siblings and I, by my late grandfather. I, at the raw beginnings of adulthood rolled my eyes with disregard as he attempted to instil in us the need for a good education. While he never really pursued a tertiary education and worked for a company called Metal Box for more or less, his whole working life, he always knew the value of education. In Africa, the same values must be infused; education is key for our progression into a developed continent. Education and training in every social, political and economic aspect of daily living will advance the well-being of every nation. Leaders who invest in their people will reap the rewards of their efforts and develop self-sustaining economies that require little to no aid from outside sources. For those who cannot afford to pay hefty fees to a tertiary institute, there are other avenues that the digital age presents. The University of the People, the world's first tuition-free online academic institution, is one such opportunity for those in the developing world to upgrade their skills. It is up to the individual though to look into such opportunities and to take advantage of them. Computer skills, in today's world, are vital for growth and it is great to hear of companies like Intel who are investing in the education of the African people through technology. With the dawn of the 2010 FIFA World Cup creeping up, media training is being offered across the continent; various fellowships and scholarships are on offer all year round. Education is the key to our success and Africa must take advantage of every available opportunity and "study, study, study".