The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises education as a fundamental right granted to every child from birth. Yet, despite this recognition, high quality education remains a privilege to many in the world rather than the universal right it should be.

The future of our world depends on the education that today’s children receive. The generations to come will thrive or struggle based on this foundation. Our children’s successes, and the wellbeing of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren depend on how educated we are today.

Education has the power to break cycles of poverty, abuse, and hunger. Education is the part of life that ties us together both as a person and as a society. To stop a child from receiving an education is not merely an issue, but a moral injustice and a violation to the human rights constitution.

With an education, children have the chance to change their lives, reach their fullest potential, and aim for the stars. Without the opportunity to learn, children are more likely to be trapped in cycles of poverty, poor health, and inadequate working conditions.

The benefits of education are endless. Education reduces illiteracy rates, increases job opportunities, builds relationships, and gives children lifelong knowledge and skills.

The importance of education does not stop at addition and subtraction. Education increases our confidence, self-esteem, and social skills.

Education is more than getting an A+ on an English exam. Essentially, what this means is that education is more applicable to the real world than one may imagine. When you are more educated, you have more confidence when speaking to people. Your social skills are ultimately increased because you have more knowledge on various topics.

Education helps us all to become the best versions of ourselves. It allows us to navigate the world with more intellect and knowledge, whilst creating long-lasting connections and friendships.

When children are educated, they gain countless opportunities to give back to their community and shape their future. We all have big dreams as children, so why is it that only some of us are given a chance to pursue them?

Education is a right, not a privilege, and each and every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and work towards their goals.

Despite the above focusing on education on a global level, Bermuda is no different, and also needs education to thrive and continue to grow. Education expands employment opportunities and is the leeway for people to study and work in new countries, allowing them to explore the world on the basis of quality education.

In Bermuda, many students, and even adults, do not recognise just how important education truly is for society. This is something we, Bermuda Is Love, want to change.

We want Bermudians to understand the significance of education. In Bermuda, we are lucky enough to say that the majority of children have access to education; however, we are not at a point where we can confidently say that the majority of people understand why education is vital.

We all must recognise education as truly the key to success. Our goal is for Bermudians to view education as power. And use this power to transform their lives.

It starts with the teachers. When we instil the love of learning and the understanding of why education is so important in students, they begin to believe it. And they begin to thrive.

Parents have a duty as well. When they understand why education is vital, our children start to do better. Study harder. Learn more. It starts with each and every one of us.

Once we understand why education can break cycles and change lives, everyone else will as well.

Once we understand why education is not a privilege, but a right, everyone around us will be on the same page.

Collectively, we need to look at schooling as an incredible opportunity, because truly it is no less than that.

As Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”

• Zarah Siddiqi is a Year 12 Somersfield Academy student, a passionate advocate for education, and a member of Bermuda Is Love