The Sacrificial Lamb

 Sacrificial Lamb (Take one for the team)


"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - said Nelson Mandela.


Another quote from many prominent individuals says, "Before you change the world, you must change yourself." This is a very uncomfortable process. Change is always hard but a constant of life. Change brings about growth.


If you are like me, living in a developing (previously called 3rd-world) country, education is the only tool you can use take off the poverty jacket. Someone in the family must start or, in my own words, become a "sacrificial lamb" for everyone in the family to be set free of this default of nature. This someone is usually called a breadwinner. One person must move from the low class to the middle class and be a living example and an enabler for other family members. This one person must be the family role model. Let's not call the act of empowering family members "Black tax". We need each other and most importantly, a gracious, "sacrificial lamb".


Developing countries need skilled labour to build their economies. Hence, every citizen must value education so that the economy can begin to see productivity growth. This productivity growth must be sustained from generation to generation linearly. Additionally, a nation's culture must change, which requires inspiring and purposeful leadership with defined SMART goals like the Chinese 5-year plans. Unfortunately, the 3rd world, most especially in Africa, has a very corrosive culture when it comes to education and other winning ingredients.


To critique SA! The 30% pass mark for majors is taking the country backward. If I may ask, where does the 70% go? This is unsustainable and will definitely result in even higher youth unemployment. I'd like to quote the saying that goes, "If something is hard, then you know it is actually happening" in this case, it means that we learn the most when we experience hardship, like when doing mathematics. It is only through persistence and methodology that we can be victorious. This requires that we be more resilient and ready for the challenge of competing in the global economy.


In short, let's get our unemployment insurance (i.e. degree(s)) and then self-actualize. Keeping in mind that nothing is promised, but being educated will give you a better chance in the long run.


"Be the change you want to see in the world (in this case, your family)." - said Mahatma Gandhi.

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