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.
1. Describe the situation of affordable and clean energy in SA and two other developing countries and how affordable and clean energy influences these countries´ education systems.
2. Critically discuss the 7 differences and 7 similarities that can be identified based on affordable and clean energy as an external determinant of education systems in South Africa, Kenya and India.
3. Demonstrate the best practices that each country may employ based on affordable and clean energy as the tenth Sustainable Development Goal.
1. Situation of affordable and clean energy in South Africa, Kenya, and India:
- South Africa: South Africa has a mix of energy sources, including coal, renewable energy, and nuclear power. The government has made commitments to transition towards cleaner energy sources to address environmental concerns and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. However, the country still faces energy challenges, including high levels of air pollution and energy poverty in certain regions.
- Kenya: Kenya has been a leader in renewable energy, particularly in the development of geothermal and wind power. The government has set ambitious targets to increase access to clean energy for all citizens. However, many rural areas still lack access to reliable energy sources, impacting education by limiting access to technology and hindering students' ability to study at night.
- India: India is the third-largest producer of electricity in the world, with a significant portion coming from coal. The country has made efforts to increase its renewable energy capacity, with plans to expand solar power projects. However, India still faces challenges in providing reliable and affordable energy to all its citizens, particularly in rural areas.
Affordable and clean energy influences education systems in these countries by:
- Providing reliable power sources for schools and educational institutions, allowing for the use of technology and internet connectivity for educational purposes.
- Reducing indoor air pollution from traditional biomass fuels, which can impact student health and attendance.
- Increasing access to energy for marginalized communities, improving educational opportunities for all children.
- Promoting sustainability education and environmental awareness in schools, preparing students for a future in a greener economy.
2. Differences and similarities based on affordable and clean energy as an external determinant of education systems in South Africa, Kenya, and India:
Differences:
- South Africa has a more diverse energy mix compared to Kenya and India, which are more reliant on traditional fossil fuels.
- Kenya has made significant progress in renewable energy development, while South Africa and India are still heavily dependent on coal.
- South Africa faces challenges with energy access in rural areas, while Kenya has made strides in expanding energy access through renewable sources.
- India has a larger population and a more complex energy system compared to South Africa and Kenya.
Similarities:
- All three countries face challenges in providing reliable and affordable energy to all citizens, particularly in rural areas.
- Affordable and clean energy is seen as a priority for sustainable development in all three countries.
- Energy poverty affects education systems by limiting access to technology and hindering students' ability to study at night.
- There is a growing emphasis on sustainability education and environmental awareness in schools across all three countries.
3. Best practices based on affordable and clean energy as the tenth Sustainable Development Goal:
- South Africa can benefit from expanding its renewable energy capacity and investing in off-grid solutions for rural communities.
- Kenya can continue its leadership in renewable energy development, focusing on increasing energy access in rural areas.
- India can prioritize energy efficiency and clean energy technology adoption to reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy access for all citizens.
- All three countries can benefit from collaboration and knowledge-sharing to address common challenges and promote sustainable energy solutions in education systems.