Basic 4 · Our World and Our People · Home and School
The Importance of Education
In this topic you will explain why education is important for individuals and the nation.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of education
- Give reasons why education is important
- Name ways government supports education
What you already know
- Being a committed family member
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- All about us
- Sub-strand
- Home and School
- Indicator
- B4.1.4.1.1 – Explain importance of education and work as a responsible citizen
Introduction
Kwame wants to be a doctor. To achieve his dream, he must learn to read, write, calculate and understand science. Education opens doors.
1. What is Education?
Education: The process of learning knowledge, skills and values.
| Type | Where |
|---|---|
| formal | schools, colleges, universities |
| informal | home, community, from elders |
| non-formal | adult literacy classes, apprenticeships |
2. Why Education is Important
- it gives knowledge and skills
- it helps people get good jobs
- it helps people make wise decisions
- it builds good character and values
- it helps the nation develop
3. Government Support
- Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE)
- the Capitation Grant for basic schools
- the School Feeding Programme
- Free Senior High School (started in 2017)
New words
- education
- Learning knowledge, skills and values.
- formal education
- Learning in schools.
- informal education
- Learning at home and in the community.
- skill
- The ability to do something well.
- literacy
- Being able to read and write.
- apprenticeship
- Learning a trade from a skilled person.
Summary
- Education is learning knowledge, skills and values.
- It can be formal, informal or non-formal.
- Education helps people get jobs and helps the nation develop.
- Government supports education through programmes like Free SHS.
Class activity: Dream Jobs
- Look at the picture cards of Ghanaian workers.
- Choose a job and list the education needed for it.
- Present to the class.
You need: Picture cards of Ghanaian occupations, Career role-play name cards, Goal ladder on manila card
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Learning in schools is…
- A. Formal education
- B. Informal education
- C. Play
- D. Work
Show answer
Answer: Formal educationSchools give formal education.2. Learning a trade from a skilled person is…
- A. An apprenticeship
- B. A holiday
- C. A punishment
- D. A festival
Show answer
Answer: An apprenticeshipIt is non-formal education.3. When did Free SHS start in Ghana?
- A. 2017
- B. 1957
- C. 1990
- D. 2025
Show answer
Answer: 2017It began in September 2017.4. Education helps the nation develop.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueEducated citizens contribute.5. Informal education happens only in classrooms.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt happens at home and in the community.6. Being able to read and write is ______.
Show answer
Answer: literacyThat is literacy.7. Give three reasons why education is important.
Show answer
Answer: Any three: knowledge, skills, jobs, wise decisions, character, national development.Education has many benefits.8. How does the School Feeding Programme help education?
Show answer
Answer: Pupils get a meal, so more children come to school and can concentrate.Food supports learning.
Homework
- Ask an adult how education has helped them in their work.