The generic structure of an education system is filled with particular content depending on the influences of different external and internal contextual
tendencies. External tendencies are those aspects that influence the unique structure and function of a particular education system originating from
the outer context of that education system (Steyn, 2021). External determinants include language, demographics, geography, technology, politics and
financial and economic trends.
AFFORDABLE and CLEAN ENERGY is one of the external determinators that can influence the education system.
The purpose of this assignment is to determine how affordable and clean energy as an external determinant influences the education systems of
South Africa and two other developing countries. (You can select two other African countries or any two developing countries around the globe).
In the assignment you should explore affordable and clean energy as an external determinant influencing the education systems of South Africa and
two other developing countries. Kindly follow the following structure:
1. Research affordable and clean energy as the tenth Sustainable Development Goal.
2. Describe the situation of affordable and clean energy in SA and two other countries, focus on how affordable and clean energy influence these
countries´ education systems.
3. Critically discuss the differences and similarities that can be identified on the basis of affordable and clean energy as an external determinant
of the various education systems – South Africa and the two selected developing countries.
4. Discuss and evaluate best practices through engaging in a literature review in order to document/report on, the influence of affordable and
clean energy as an external determinant on the education systems of the countries (South Africa and the two selected developing countries).
For the reflection: Reflect on all the content of the module, tell what you learnt and how the module can be improved.
1. Research on Affordable and Clean Energy as the Tenth Sustainable Development Goal: The goal of affordable and clean energy is to ensure access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This includes increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix and improving energy efficiency. It also aims to promote investment in energy infrastructure and technology to provide energy access to developing countries.
2. Situation of Affordable and Clean Energy in South Africa and Two Other Developing Countries:
- South Africa: South Africa has made significant progress in promoting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. However, the country still relies heavily on coal for energy generation, which has negative impacts on the environment and public health. The government has implemented initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. The availability of affordable and clean energy in South Africa plays a crucial role in influencing the education system by providing a reliable source of power for schools and educational institutions.
- Nigeria: Nigeria faces challenges in providing affordable and clean energy to its population due to an inadequate energy infrastructure and reliance on fossil fuels. The country has vast renewable energy resources, but they are underutilized. The lack of access to affordable and clean energy in Nigeria impacts the education system by hindering the availability of electricity in schools, which affects teaching and learning activities.
- India: India has made significant strides in promoting renewable energy and improving energy access for its population. The country has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in its energy mix. The availability of affordable and clean energy in India has a positive impact on the education system by providing electricity to schools and educational institutions, which improves the learning environment for students.
3. Differences and Similarities in the Influence of Affordable and Clean Energy on Education Systems:
- South Africa, Nigeria, and India all face challenges in providing affordable and clean energy to their populations, which impacts their education systems. However, the extent of these challenges and the strategies implemented to address them vary among the countries.
- South Africa has made more progress in promoting renewable energy compared to Nigeria, which relies heavily on fossil fuels. India has also made significant strides in promoting renewable energy and improving energy access for its population.
- The availability of affordable and clean energy in South Africa and India positively influences their education systems by providing a reliable source of power for schools, while the lack of access to affordable and clean energy in Nigeria hinders the education system.
4. Best Practices in the Influence of Affordable and Clean Energy on Education Systems:
- Implementing renewable energy projects in schools and educational institutions to provide a reliable source of power.
- Promoting energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption and costs.
- Investing in energy infrastructure and technology to improve energy access for schools in rural and underserved areas.
Reflection:
Through this assignment, I have learned about the importance of affordable and clean energy as an external determinant influencing education systems in developing countries. It is evident that access to reliable and sustainable energy plays a crucial role in providing a conducive learning environment for students. To improve the module, I recommend incorporating more case studies and examples to demonstrate the real-world impact of affordable and clean energy on education systems. Additionally, practical exercises and discussions on implementing renewable energy projects in schools could enhance the learning experience.