When the topic of education is discussed, my instinct tells me that parents are our first teachers. With love and affection as a driving force, parents provide the first set of instructions as we get into this world. Some mothers reprimand their babies when they get too excited in the womb,
In most parts of Africa, this parental training continues throughout a parent's life, providing advice and teaching based on their experience.

For these children to integrate easily into the modern society, they need an initial form of education that provides the basics. So lets call basic education, what is it? And what should be its content?

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What is basic education?

Basic education is an additional set of knowledge children get in a formal setting, which will help them better integrate into the modern society.
At this stage, the children are learn basic knowledge, skills and values that are necessary for personal development, participation and interaction with society and will also be the foundation for future learning.

Currently, basic education starts from preschools down to primary education where the child learns how to read, write and communicate. They are also introduced to basic mathematics and problem-solving exercises, locally known as quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and so on.

Things I feel should have been included in the basic education of children?

There is this saying that "common sense is not common" and I believe it is true. Based on my definition of common sense, it is a level of practical knowledge and good judgment that helps us make choices that are reasonable and safe.

I wish common sense were part of the curriculum of basic education. Kids today are book and gadgets smart, but lack the knowledge of common sense, and what is worse is the fact that they grow into adults without developing this skill called common sense.

A gross deficiency in common sense is seen in the way pedestrians walk or cross the road. Some of these senseless acts are given fancy names like jaywalking, some are so distracted by their phone with headsets, walking and crossing at intersections and taking unnecessary risks for the thrill.

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The role of basic education in our growth?

Basic education is essential for the growth of individuals, and even societal growth is built on basic education. Let's call it the foundation of learning and development.
How else will a person develop without literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, which are taught in basic education? This knowledge empowers individuals, giving them the opportunity for personal, social, and economic development.

Basic education is closely linked to informed health decisions, which means healthier lives, meaning fewer visits to witch doctors and paying attention to medical doctors. Basic education promotes understanding among people, making them more tolerant, and community engagement becomes smoother with less friction.

I am inviting @dequeen, @whoknows27, @goodnews2020, @dannykool, @josepha @rubee2as1 to have a say in this topic, do you agree with my proposal to teach common sense in school?

Media Credit

Composer	@manuelhooks
Graphics from	Pixabay.com
Entry type	Contest participation
Contest Link	Link
Organizer	@meraindia
Community	Incredible India
Date	Monday 8th September
	(@) 2025