Valentina Auer

Education is a privilege. 

One of the biggest issues we have to face in the education system is inequalities. Especially alternatives to the traditional public school system are not available for everybody due to costs, living situations, family etc. Every alternative to school is a privilege and so is education. The impact of Covid-19 during Spring 2020 showed very well that that even within the same schools and classes the children had their individual struggles with distance learning and schooling. 

Beside the socioeconomic inequalities, school is also a place where racism and bullying happens a lot all around the world. By confronting children with this problematic topic at an early age they are most likely not evolving racists thoughts. As racism is a mindset that is learned and not innate it means that education has to cover this topic as well. Colonization goes hand in hand with oppressing, especially in countries with indigenous cultures and rich cultural habitat. For example shadow education in South Korea that has evolved from the side effects of implementing the western school system in their culture. A decolonization of the curriculum would be already a step towards equal and sustainable education. 

Furthermore a more democratic hierarchy within schools would be necessary. As home educated children are equally working together with their parents, so should the cooperation between students and teacher be at school. More tutoring than teaching, more focus on the individual needs of children and more trust and confidence for the voice of children is the key.