Education stands as one of the most crucial factors in a country's development, directly influencing quality of life, productivity, innovation, and competitiveness on the global stage. However, Brazil faces significant challenges in enhancing its educational system and moving closer to international standards. A report released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), titled "Education at a Glance - 2023," shed light on Brazil's lag in various indicators compared to OECD member countries, including per-student investment, participation in vocational education, and the rate of youth categorized as "NEET" (not in education, employment, or training).
 

The study revealed that Brazil invests only $3,583 per student per year in basic education, ranking third-worst globally. The country lags behind only Mexico and South Africa, with values significantly below the OECD average of $11,029 per student per year. According to the study, the top investors are Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Belgium.

The low investment per student reflects on the quality of education and performance in international assessments, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which measures proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science. In the 2018 PISA, Brazil ranked 57th globally with an average score of 413, falling below the OECD average of 487. Brazilian students' performance trailed behind countries like China, Singapore, Estonia, Finland, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Ireland, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The low participation of Brazilian youth in vocational education is also a concerning indicator, as this form of education qualifies a portion of the population for the workforce. The OECD report shows that only 11% of high school students aged 15 to 19 are enrolled in vocational programs, far below the OECD average of 37%. In the age group of 20 to 24, Brazil's average is 11%, while the OECD average is 65%.

Vocational education is considered by experts as a crucial pathway to well-paid positions with higher market demand. It also contributes to reducing dropout rates and enhances the employability of young individuals. One impactful statistic is the high percentage of youth classified as "NEET." The OECD report indicates that 24.4% of Brazilian youth aged 18 to 24 fall into this category, compared to the OECD average of 14.7%.

The report highlights the need for investment in resources, teacher appreciation, student support, and the necessity of seeking innovative and effective solutions for education. These include improving the school curriculum, diversifying teaching methods, and embracing digital inclusion.

What are your thoughts on the position of education in Brazil? What do you see as the main challenges and opportunities in this field? Share your comments and spread this text with your friends on social media.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash