Political and Civil Education/Social and Economic Education

Political and Civil Education

A popular French philosopher named Voltaire was once quoted as asking the question – who will lead the world? He provided the answer himself by saying those who know how to read and write will lead the world. This answer is very correct because, at whatever level you are looking at it, local government, state, national and international levels, our political leaders are all literate. An illiterate person can only vote for the literate person to become his governor, senator or president. He himself cannot be one. This means that the ability to read and write which was learnt at the primary school is a very important factor to consider in the election of our leaders. There are many communities in Nigeria today who will not allow an illiterate person to become their traditional ruler.

If we even look at the international level, the literacy level of a country is one of the factors that determine the level of progress they make. The progress could be political, social, economical and technological. When you hear that some countries are referred to as developed while others are referred to as developing or underdeveloped, one of the factors used is the literacy level of that country. In the so-called developed countries, the literacy rate is very high while in the others like Africa, it is low. In other words, there are more people who cannot read and write in the developing countries than in the developed countries.

Social and Economic Education

There is a popular saying that illiteracy is a disease? Do you agree with that? Well, people say so because those who can read and write will know many things through what others have written down for them to read. On the other hand, a person who cannot read and write will not know those things even if the books are given to him. He will always depend on some other people to read and tell him what is in the book. A scholar once said that he who can not read or write will be a prey in the hand of those who can read and write. Do you agree with this submission? Perhaps you have heard about this incidence before, It was once said of a man who wanted to withdraw certain amount of money from the bank, because he could not read or write he had to asked somebody for assistance. He told the person the amount he wanted to withdraw. Do you know what that person did? He inflated the amount that the man asked him to write and made him to thumbprint. If he knew how to read and write do you think that would be possible? Moreover, an illiterate person cannot put his ideas across to other people' Have you helped your grandfather, grandmother or any other relations to write a letter before? How did he or she feel when you finished writing the letter?
Therefore with at least a good primary education, people will be able to read and write. This will in many ways improve their social and economic life. They can read simple information that could affect their lives, health and businesses. A driver with at least primary education will be able to read road signs and therefore become a better driver. Similarly, the ability to read and write will make people better farmers, tailors, carpenters, bricklayers, fishermen, cattle rearers, etc. Can you allow an illiterate bricklayer to build your house? He will find it difficult to read the plan.