The most powerful weapon of social transformation we have access to is education. In fact, we cannot even call it a weapon, because it does not hurt; it nourishes, builds and transforms.
Given this, reinforcing values such as the fight against prejudice, poverty and social exclusion is essential to building a better world with more access to education. That is why February 20 is observed as the World Day of Social Justice, created in 2007 by the United Nations (UN).
For this reason, we want to reflect on the importance of education as the main tool for achieving a fairer society. And when we refer to education as a tool for social transformation, we are talking about something much broader, starting with the education within homes, with family values and principles.
But let us turn our eyes to the education actually learned inside schools; it is also of great importance to the foundation of our lives. Through it, every person develops the ability to form critical thoughts grounded in history and to take a stand in the best way, whether in conversations with friends, family or at work, in order to demand social improvements.
Faculdade Ana Carolina Puga (FAPUGA) understands, shares this vision and is aware of its responsibility to society as a Higher Education Institution, to promote quality education and transform lives through teaching.
“Our mission is to promote social transformation by training innovative leaders who work with academic excellence and an integrated vision of the areas of knowledge. But more than that, we prepare competent, up-to-date professionals for the world of work and to act directly in improving society’s living conditions”, says Dr. Ana Carolina Puga, founder and general director of Fapuga.
The importance of education in social transformation
Far beyond just learning countless theories, history, math, Portuguese and specializing in specific fields, education in schools and universities has the power of social transformation because it acts directly on situations and problems in society.
Through education, it is possible to work to reduce violence, boost the economy, understand the importance of caring for the environment, and live democracy and citizenship concepts in the best way, as well as health promotion, which are factors intrinsic to education.
It reduces violence
When education is accessible to everyone, concepts of social responsibility and respect for others are introduced from an early age, which effectively contributes to a less violent and less unequal society. This is because the main enemies of a peaceful life are intolerance and ignorance, and this battle can be won with education.
It boosts the economy
The more people study, graduate and enter the job market, the more the country’s economy is boosted. In fact, according to a UNESCO study, for each additional year of schooling, the average annual GDP rises by 0.37%. In other words, countries that prioritize quality education for their population record above-average economic growth.
It protects the environment
The classroom is a place to learn about the world, about what to expect out here. I believe you must remember science or biology classes in elementary school, right? In those moments you learned about the importance of caring for nature and preserving the environment.
This information is usually provided only inside schools, which is why education is directly linked to preserving the environment. Because we learn how to make more sustainable decisions that do not harm future generations. For example, do you remember where you learned to separate recyclable from organic waste?
It ensures access to rights, democracy and citizenship
As mentioned above, when you have access to education you are able to form critical thoughts grounded in the history you studied, and you can take a stand in the best way in different situations. With this in mind, education is able to form citizens who are aware of their actions, rights and civic duties, to foster democracy and live their citizenship in the best way.
In addition, through education people become aware of their rights guaranteed by law and can demand that they be fulfilled, such as public policies for work, health and social assistance for themselves and future generations.
It promotes health
Promoting health through education is clearly impactful, because through it people learn healthy lifestyle habits; in addition, with the high demand for information spread within schools, it is possible to reduce child mortality and lower the teenage pregnancy rate, which is risky for both the young woman and the baby.
Innovative methodologies work in social transformation
With the aim of training professionals who are extremely capable and qualified for the job market, Fapuga works with innovative methodologies and dynamic teaching approaches.
The way teaching is applied makes all the difference in absorbing the content and, soon after, in putting it into practice, enabling better decision-making and a clearer view of the environment in which one operates. See some of the methodologies used in Fapuga’s teaching.
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Problem-Based Learning: a methodology based on learning directly from problems, where the student receives the information and works on its solution, actively participating in the learning process.
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Team-based learning: the format is based on working on communication skills in teams, through argumentation and debate, thus building a cooperative environment.
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Game-based learning: this methodology consists of creating digital games for teaching purposes, stimulating concentration and creativity, creating a learning environment with healthy competition.
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Gamification: easily confused with the previous methodology, gamification uses common elements of real, everyday games, going beyond the barriers of entertainment and fun.
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Career mentoring: based on a process that aims to help students take a direction in their professional lives through strategies, learning and actions.
Testimonials from Fapuga students
Some Fapuga students gave us their testimonials about the importance of having started their degrees and taken the first step toward transforming their lives and their families’ lives.
“Everything in my life is divided down to the millimeter, and even that organization I learned at Fapuga. The Time Management course helped me with that and I can’t measure how important the things I learned are to me”, says Elisângela Minhano, a student in the Business Administration program.
“Fapuga opened doors for people with ideals, who want to fulfill their dreams and achieve goals. For me it was the perfect opportunity and it truly opened doors for me. And I believe not only for me, but for all of my classmates who study with me. […] Knowing how to balance everything was my biggest challenge! Having time to study, to work, for myself, for my home, for my daughters, balancing all of that is not simple. Sometimes things go off track, a deadline I couldn’t manage to meet, but nothing that left me behind.”, says Bianca de Souza Santana, a Hospital Management student at Fapuga.
Education is the best way to change the world, so take advantage of the opportunities you have to build a world with less inequality and more social justice. You can and must make a difference!
