Megan Goh (19) 5 Benevolence Good morning fellow schoolmates, I am Megan Goh and I am the Head of the Humanitarian

Society. I am very honored to be here today to be able to speak to you about a social cause that is affecting many children in the world which is, Achieve Universal Primary Education. For most of us, education is the most important tool to opening more doors and opportunities. However, for some, they still do not understand the importance of education and are happily drifting through their school years. I agree with Nelson Madela, that Education is the most powerful weapon, which one can use to change the world. And today, I will be sharing three reasons on why Education is the most powerful weapon, which one can use to change the world. Education provides people with the skills and knowledge they require in order to increase income and develop employment opportunities. By educating the poor, women and young children, it opens doors to jobs and would also help the countrys economic growth. In the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) literacy rates are low, resulting in the low revenue for the nations as majority of people are engaged in unskilled low paying jobs in primary industries like agriculture and mining. Laos has an adult literacy rate of about 49% and an estimated GDP per capita of US$840. Low education levels hinders acquisition of technological skills and employment in high paying jobs. And shortage of potential skilled labor hinders industrialization. Countries with low education level remains as agricultural economics with low GDP per capita. While literacy rate influences development level, it is undeniable that literacy among women exerts stronger influence. Literate women are aware if the need to bring up healthy children and to nurture them with skills that enable them to earn high incomes and enjoy a good living standard and quality of life in time to come. Besides, literate women are likely to marry later and practice family planning. Therefore, education is the most powerful weapon, which one can use to change the world. Secondly, special norms and cultural beliefs such as gender inequality with emphasis on superiority of men and disempowerment of women. And females tend to face many barriers to education in several parts of the world. One study after another has shown that education girls is one of the most effective ways to fight poverty.

A good education is a holistic education, which consist of knowledge, character education, and physical education. A good education ensures that all three aspects have equal emphasis and I must be connected to prepare students life and in work.