My Queen's Commonwealth Essay

From Shadows to Stars

Nivedya Gulzar

Meet Aanya, a young girl living deep within the slums of Mumbai. Her presence, like countless others’, remains hidden courtesy the world that turns a blind eye to her potential. She wakes at the crack of dawn, rising from her charpoy. The floor is damp with sewage water, yet she pays it no mind. She wakes up her mother, sister and three brothers and together they step into the narrow streets, choked with plastic bags, wrappers and scurrying rodents. They navigate the cramped, familiar path, with its twists and shadows. At last, they reach the community’s only bathrooms and dutifully join a long queue – used by over 1,000 people each day (1). When their turn finally arrives, the mother pays a total fee of 30 rupees for all six of them to use the bathroom, a draining third of her daily wages. 

The two younger boys go to the local government school, whilst the older three stay back to help with chores and street vending. In order to provide for the whole family, sacrifices must be made. Sending two children to school means a significant cut in their potential earnings – an opportunity cost that requires painful tradeoffs. Early marriage is culturally entrenched and Aanya’s mother does her best to guide her and her older sisters to become dutiful, obedient wives.

Poverty wears many faces; this is just one of them. It remains one of the greatest barriers to education. Yet, we cannot wait for poverty to disappear before ensuring every child has access to learning. With support, Aanya need not dispose of her dreams due to her circumstances. She and her siblings can learn alongside peers who treat them as equals, taught by dedicated teachers. She is resilient, confident, and more importantly, she has hope. She could dream of becoming a scientist, a mathematician, an astronaut. They are all within her grasp, and she has every opportunity of achieving them. This is the gift of education for all.

In the classroom of the future, there are no missing desks. No empty chairs. Every child is present – not just in body, but in voice. Seats filled with students confident and empowered to speak up, to seek clarity, to share, to learn and to lead. Children of all backgrounds, ethnicities, every social, political and economic circumstance are nurtured equally. Everyone begins at the same starting line; nobody gets an undue advantage – winning is fair and square. Each one grows to become a pillar of modern society, united by opportunity. 

Of course, it won’t be as simple or straightforward.

To reach this utopia, we must first realize the importance of education. 

Education is not merely a right, but a powerful catalyst for personal and societal growth. It’s a core value in the Commonwealth Charter. Member states are encouraged to promote education as a tool for skill development, poverty eradication and sustainable development. 

Education forms the edifice upon which society is constructed. It empowers students to become conscientious citizens who contribute meaningfully to their communities. While instilling critical attributes like perseverance and teamwork, it also fuels the flame of curiosity – the drive to question, explore and innovate. It shapes character and unlocks personal development. Among the most crucial yet often overlooked skills education nurtures is problem-solving. From choosing what to eat for dinner, to resolving a conflict with a colleague on a group project or tackling a complex calculus equation, the ability to reflect, analyze and overcome challenges is essential. Life is filled with obstacles, and giving up isn’t always an option; adaptability becomes an asset.

Beyond cognitive skills, education builds confidence and self-esteem which are key traits of effective leadership that inspire trust and respect. These qualities also fuel risk-taking, resilience and creativity – all essential for success in careers, relationships and life in general. Employers value individuals who show determination and adaptability. Moreover, education enhances empathy and social interaction skills by encouraging students to communicate effectively despite cultural and societal barriers. It emphasizes the importance of not only speaking, but listening and responding thoughtfully, which are essential skills to build strong relationships.

Nationally, as literacy rates increase, economic productivity is elevated, poverty declines, and democracy is strengthened. Every voice is not only heard, but valued. Increasing female literacy opens doors to higher education and formal employment for women. This narrows gender inequality and unleashes the full potential of the workforce. With better informed choices, birth rates decrease, thus aiding population control. A literate population can create ripple effects across society, such as reduced crime rates and improved healthcare.

UNESCO reports that there were 251 million children out of school in 2024 (2). Of them, 122 million are girls, a figure that remains high despite nearly 40% decrease over the past two decades (3).  During the pandemic, there was an alarming rise in school dropouts, with Nigeria, Pakistan and Sudan being the worst-impacted. Nigeria is estimated to have over 18 million children out of school, one of the highest numbers globally (4). Somalia is home to one of the highest female illiteracy rates, with only 28% of students enrolled in Somali schools being girls (5). 

While progress has been slow, there have been encouraging successes. The Dominican Republic has committed to investing at least US$2,500 per year in education per child, along with various monitoring systems to help improve the effectiveness of educational spending (6). Indonesia has adopted a targeted approach to ensure equitable distribution of resources in low-income and rural communities. India is following a similar strategy, with its New Education Policy and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan aiming to bridge gender disparity gaps and improve access and quality of learning. Argentina has furthered inclusivity, by updating education policies to mandate comprehensive education for all students both in public and private institutions. Others like Bangladesh and Mauritius are focusing on teacher development and empowerment, recognizing the pivotal role they play in providing quality education and building a bright future for students. 

In addition to poverty, there are several other barriers that prevent the ideal of universal education from becoming into reality. Discrimination has been entrenched in societies for centuries – whether based on age, gender, religion or income. Education is often available not by ability or passion, but by identity. In today’s world, girls, marginalized communities, and people with disabilities are still disproportionately excluded from education. Over 750 million adults globally remain illiterate highlighting the urgent need to provide access to quality learning. By continuing this trajectory, future generations will not just inherit inequality, but a world where potential is lost before it even begins. 

Civil wars, natural disasters, and pandemics inflict devastating blows to educational progress. They destroy infrastructure like hospitals, schools and houses, increase poverty and destitution, and amplify existing vulnerabilities. Conflicts and natural disasters can force families to seek refuge in camps or temporary shelters where education is deprioritized, and government efforts are diverted to the military. The lack of security and economic opportunities effectively crushes prospects for an entire generation. During the pandemic, school closures, lockdowns and economic strain cause many families to lose their jobs and cut education expenditures. Many families cannot afford digital devices and internet access, thereby creating a digital divide. 

A possible solution is increased international aid to countries affected by conflict or natural disasters. Governments and philanthropic donors can help rebuild schools, train teachers, and supply learning materials in war-torn or displaced regions. These organizations also manage established emergency education funds, which play a crucial role in facilitating immediate support for children’s education during crises.

In many low-income countries, governments often prioritize immediate infrastructure needs, such as roads, hospitals and homes, viewing education as a secondary concern. The lack of nearby schools forces many children to stay at home and work. Building more schools within local communities, with safe and supportive learning environments, can help combat this issue and provide a crucial step up the ladder towards change. Government funding should be supplemented by support from NGOs, international donors and public-private partnerships that prioritize offering aid and services to local communities.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, said by Nelson Mandela, a renowned activist and former president of South Africa. His words highlight the transformative power of education and the limitless potential it gives individuals. Education is not just about books or classrooms; it is the foundation that lifts families and entire communities out of poverty. A child should not be chained by circumstance, but empowered to learn, grow and shape their own future. By investing in universal education, we aren’t just teaching facts but cultivating the seeds of hope, dignity and lasting change.

Brilliance is as plentiful as the stars that paint the midnight sky, while some shine bright like

diamonds, others seem dimmer, not because they lack light, but because they’re farther away.

Without the lens of education bringing them into focus, it’s easy to mistake distance with lack of potential. May the Commonwealth lead the way by example.

Citations:

1 Karnatac, Kavya et al. « Inside World’s Most Crowded Slum | Dharavi (Heart-Breaking Experience).” Youtu.be, 2025, youtu.be/rU4V46zXrQM?si=1o1YABt3javH9iZh. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025

2 UNESCO. “251M Children and Youth Still out of School, despite Decades of Progress (UNESCO Report).” Unesco.org, 2024, www.unesco.org/en/articles/251m-children-and-youth-still-out-of-school-despite-decades-of-progress-unesco-report. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025

3 “Fast Facts: 30 Years of Uneven Progress for Adolescent Girls | UN Women – Headquarters.” UN Women – Headquarters, 7 Mar. 2025, www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2025/03/fast-facts-30-years-of-uneven-progress-for-adolescent-girls. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025. eHe

4 “2024 in REVIEW – One in Three Children in Conflict and Fragile Countries out of School – New Analysis.” Save the Children International, 2024, www.savethechildren.net/news/2024-review-one-in-three-children-in-conflict-and-fragile-countries-out-of-school-new-analysis. 

5 “2024 in REVIEW – One in Three Children in Conflict and Fragile Countries out of School – New Analysis.” Save the Children International, 2024, www.savethechildren.net/news/2024-review-one-three-children-conflict-and-fragile-countries-out-school-new-analysis. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

6 “7 Ways Countries Are Transforming Education.” Unesco.org, 2024, www.unesco.org/en/articles/7-ways-countries-are-transforming-education. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.