MSD 019: Unit 05 - SDG4–Quality Education

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 UNIT 5: SDG 4 – QUALITY EDUCATION

5.0 Introduction

Education is a powerful tool for transforming societies and driving sustainable development. Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) focuses on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. Quality education is the foundation for improving people’s lives, eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, improving health, and promoting peace and sustainable growth. Despite global progress, millions of children and adults still lack access to basic education, particularly in developing regions.

5.1 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the scope and importance of SDG 4.

·         Identify the key targets and indicators of SDG 4.

·         Examine global and national efforts to improve education.

·         Analyze the challenges and opportunities in achieving quality education.

5.2 Targets of SDG 4

SDG 4 has 10 targets aimed at achieving inclusive and equitable education by 2030. These targets address various levels of education, skill development, and gender inclusion:

Key Targets Include:

1.      4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to effective learning outcomes.

2.      4.2: Ensure access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education.

3.      4.3: Ensure equal access for all to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

4.      4.4: Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills.

5.      4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to education for vulnerable groups.

6.      4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy.

7.      4.7: Ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, global citizenship, and cultural diversity.

8.      4.a: Build and upgrade inclusive and safe schools with adequate facilities.

9.      4.b: Expand the number of scholarships available to developing countries for higher education.

10.  4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers, especially in least developed and small island countries.

These targets recognize that education must be accessible, equitable, inclusive, and geared toward practical knowledge and critical thinking.

5.3 SDG 4 Indicators

To measure progress towards SDG 4, several indicators have been defined globally. These indicators assess access, equity, quality, and outcome levels of education:

Selected SDG 4 Indicators:

·         Primary and secondary school completion rates

·         Participation rates in organized learning (early childhood)

·         Gender parity index in education

·         Proportion of youth/adults with ICT, literacy, and numeracy skills

·         Availability of trained teachers per 1000 students

·         Proportion of schools with access to electricity, internet, clean water, and sanitation

·         Government expenditure on education as a % of GDP

India’s Tracking Mechanism:

·         NITI Aayog’s SDG Index monitors state-level performance on educational indicators.

·         Key schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, National Education Policy 2020, and Right to Education Act (RTE) are aligned with SDG 4.

5.4 Global and Local Challenges Versus Opportunities

A. Challenges

1. Access and Equity:

·         Millions of children worldwide are out of school, especially girls and children from conflict zones or remote areas.

·         In India, rural-urban disparities, caste-based discrimination, and poverty hinder access to quality education.

2. Learning Outcomes:

·         Many children in school are not achieving basic literacy and numeracy.

·         COVID-19 widened the learning gap due to school closures and lack of digital access.

3. Infrastructure and Resources:

·         Shortage of qualified teachers and proper classrooms, especially in remote or tribal areas.

·         Lack of facilities like clean toilets, drinking water, electricity, and digital tools in schools.

4. Dropout Rates:

·         High dropout rates among adolescents due to early marriage, financial burden, or lack of interest.

5. Gender Inequality:

·         Girls in some parts of the world still face early marriage, violence, and socio-cultural barriers to education.

B. Opportunities

1. Digital and Hybrid Learning:

·         Rise of online platforms (e.g., DIKSHA, SWAYAM, e-Pathshala) has created new opportunities for remote learning.

·         Integration of AI, mobile apps, and virtual classrooms can transform access and quality.

2. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – India:

·         Emphasizes flexibility, multilingual learning, vocational training, and skill-based education.

·         Promotes universal access, equity, and holistic development.

3. Skill Development:

·         Programs like Skill India, PMKVY, and ITI expansion promote job-ready skills among youth.

4. International Collaboration:

·         UNESCO, UNICEF, and other global partners support capacity-building, funding, and innovation in education.

5. Public-Private Partnerships:

·         NGOs and private sector entities contribute to school infrastructure, teacher training, and digital resources.

5.5 Let’s Sum Up

SDG 4 – Quality Education is central to achieving all other sustainable development goals. Education empowers individuals, enhances employment opportunities, improves health, and fosters inclusive growth. Despite progress, challenges remain in terms of access, equity, infrastructure, and learning outcomes. However, opportunities such as digital education, innovative policies, and global partnerships hold immense promise. Countries like India are reforming their systems through NEP 2020 and other schemes to ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward quality education for all.

 

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