By Ruoxi G9

Introduction

Access to education is amongst the biggest ongoing challenges faced by children in isolated rural areas. In 2023, about 34.7% of children living in rural areas are out-of-school (Braga). Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia are the most heavily impacted regions, with approximately 60% of its population living in rural areas. In response, the Youth and Health committee has come together to address this pressing topic. All delegates expressed their commitment to implement actions aimed at ensuring education access for all children in isolated rural areas, emphasizing the importance of eliminating inequalities and creating opportunities. 

UK-US Resolution

The first resolution put forth by the United Kingdom and United States of America was centered around providing equal education–regardless of gender, race, or status–as well as relevant technologies and financial aids. 

A heated debate followed, with the delegation of Afghanistan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) raising collective concerns on the resolution failing to uphold values regarding gender equity in nations like Afghanistan and forcefully implementing western values. The delegation of the DPRK wholeheartedly agrees the resolution is “a complete disgrace” and a form of modern colonization.

Due to an overwhelmed objection, the first resolution was unable to pass.

China-Nigeria Resolution 

A second resolution submitted by China and Nigeria encourages financial commitment and calls for mandatory education until the age of 11. However, the resolution was being questioned on potential child labor under the clause stating children are allowed “working part-time in camps and factories (with the child’s consent)”. The delegation of Ethiopia pointed out children at such young ages are “easily manipulated”, and should be considered child labor, even with if consented.  

More concerns were raised regarding the resolution failing to guarantee significant and effective financial aids. “What happens if no countries are willing to donate? ” the delegation of DPRK asked the delegation of China. “Will you send them to concentration camps?”.

The second resolution ultimately failed to pass.

Rwanda-Saudi Arabia Resolution

Rwanda and Saudi Arabia put forward a final resolution on the topic. The resolution calls upon countries to invest at least 5% of their education budgets on expanding access in rural areas within their own nations, as an alternative to funding the money to one place and distributing afterward. 

The development of cultural and context based curriculums are encouraged to adapt to each unique nation and their needs at hand. For example, many countries with high out-of-school rates in rural areas, such as Kenya and Zimbabwe, are heavily dependent on agriculture. This resolution allows them to incorporate agricultural training into the education system, leading to greater practicability and supporting the area’s economic development. 

Although questions were raised regarding nations forcing children into local labor forces, an overwhelming number of delegates favorable, allowing this resolution to pass.

Conclusion

Expanding education for children in rural areas is a critical global issue. The delegates were able to come to agreement today, by enacting Rwanda’s and Saudi Arabia’s resolution, promising collective commitment to reduce the education gap and create opportunities for all. This is a step towards a future guaranteeing all rights of education and the social and economic prosperity within rural communities. 

Work cited

Braga, Arianna. “Children in Rural Areas.” Humanium, 12 Mar. 2023, http://www.humanium.org/en/children-in-rural-areas/. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.