Nelson Mandela once said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And he was right. Here are some of the ways that a properly implemented education system filled with passionate, knowledgeable teachers can elevate a country and create a future full of potential.

Encourages Growth

Perhaps the most important overall effect of education is economic growth. Education drives this by equipping people with the skills they need to find work. Educated workers are productive and innovative, producing goods and services that are in demand all over the world; this attracts investment and stimulates entrepreneurship and ultimately contributes to a growing economy.

Reduces Poverty

For a country like South Africa, which is still known as one of the most unequal countries in the world, education is the key to reducing poverty and elevating the living standards of all South Africans. Education gives people the opportunity to move out of their social station and into something better by giving them skills they can use to get jobs, learn more, and move on to find even better work. When people escape poverty, income inequality improves.

Harmony & Cohesion

An often-overlooked aspect of an educated nation is social cohesion. Education achieves this by cultivating understanding, tolerance, and empathy in diverse groups by challenging stereotypes and encouraging people to talk, while also providing a sense of belonging within communities. A well-educated nation is a nation singing from the same hymn book, so to speak, which leads to a more harmonious and cohesive society. 

Better Health

The health and well-being of a nation is also closely linked to education, which can lead to much-improved health outcomes. Informed people can make smart decisions about their health and lifestyle choices, and an educated populace leads to healthcare providers staffed with competent, capable care-givers. 

Better Democracy

A good and capable education system can also lead to more participation by citizens in the democratic process. People who know their rights and who regularly engage in critical thinking contribute positively to society by voting for the kinds of parties and politicians that are most likely to make the best decisions on their behalf. 

Innovative Technology

Technology is to be found throughout our daily lives here in 2023, and without education, that would not be the case. Through education, people are empowered with the skills to not only get jobs in the technology sector, but to continually learn and innovate and keep iterating until things work. That innovation has brought us many of the things we use today – the internet, smartphones, computers, and more – without which, life would not be as good as it is. Education is, once again, the key to human success.

Better Teachers

There’s no doubt that the effects of a decent education system are positive and far-reaching. And that’s why education initiatives that aim to make teachers even better are so important to the future of our country.

About Us

Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is a full university scholarship that provides extensive mentoring and leadership development for top learners with a passion for teaching and education. At the heart of what we do is in nurturing expert teacher who embrace innovation and can lead the kind ofchange that our educational sector so desperately requires.

In short, we want to make the strongest possible case and provide the greatest possible support for our best students to become our best future teachers.

Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is an aspirational fellowship which identifies high potential students who, through financial support, high quality teacher education and professional induction, become expert teachers, educational leaders and social entrepreneurs who will lead system change to achieve quality education for all learners.