Growing up in an Angolan household, education was placed above everything but God and honouring our parents. My parents believed that knowledge was the true key to success and the importance of education transcended geographical boundaries and cultural differences. For Angolan parents whose children are growing up in the west, understanding the unique value of education in this new environment is crucial. The experience of raising children in a western society presents both opportunities and challenges, and a strong foundation in education can empower these children to navigate the complexities of their dual cultural identities while achieving personal and professional fulfilment. In this article I present the importance of formal education from my Angolan parent’s perspective on raising kids in the west.
As my mother always told me; money, houses, love and a citizenship can be easily taken from you, however an education is something that can never be taken from you. It belongs to you, and it serves as the crucial tool that unlocks the gates through this systematic maze, we call the path to financial stability and success.
Attaining knowledge and the ever presence of learning was an important factor in my childhood, as both my parents were not college educated. My mother always told me how ashamed and embarrassed she was that she did not have the opportunity to attain her education, which made her timid and shy-away from intellectual conversations with family and friends. The strangest thing is that my mother is one of the smartest people I have ever known. My mother is both wise and street-smart, she has natural born financial literacy and has the ability to understand a problem in its entirety, while some of us can only see half of the image. However, society gauges a person’s intelligence and work performance based on their educational achievements.
Similarly, my father who through his photographic memory and his natural interest in math and science was able to attain career success without a college degree. My father grew up as a poor village boy in a single parent household with a fisherman for a father and no prospects in sight. As the oil industry began to thrive in Angola, my father secured a job at one of the companies as a cleaner. Driven by curiosity and a strong desire to learn, he steadily advanced in his career. Nevertheless, regardless of how far he progressed, there were always individuals attempting to undermine him due to his limited formal education.
Empowerment and Personal Growth
Education empowers individuals, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and pursue their passions. For Angolan children growing up in the west, education opens doors to a world of possibilities. It equips us with the tools to explore our interests, discover our talents, and nurture our unique potential.
In a western context, education encourages critical thinking, creativity, and independent problem-solving. It fosters self-confidence and resilience, traits that are invaluable in a globalized world. My parents encouraged me as a child to embrace the educational opportunities that were available to me in the west, as these opportunities could shape my personal growth and development.
Bridging Cultural Gaps
Growing up in a western society while maintaining a connection to my culture was challenging for me as a child. My parents always encouraged me that education could serve as a bridge between my cultural heritage and our new environment. Although my parents were reluctant to teach us Angolan history growing up, I believe that encouraging our children to learn about Angola’s history, language, and traditions through education can help us preserve our cultural identity and foster a sense of belonging.
Furthermore, education can promote cross-cultural understanding and empathy. Your children can learn about the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of their peers, creating a more inclusive and harmonious society. This cultural exchange can be a valuable asset in an increasingly interconnected world.
Economic Opportunities
We cannot speak on the importance of education without mentioning the possible financial benefits that could come from attaining higher education. Education is often a pathway to economic stability and prosperity. In western societies, access to quality education can lead to better career prospects and financial security. Angolan parents often emphasize to their children the economic benefits of education, as it can enable us to contribute to our families, communities, and even support Angola’s development.
In my opinion, many Angolan parents struggle with encouraging a broad spectrum of educational choices. As a child, you are typically presented with a set of degrees pre-approved by your parents, and you are typically expected to select exclusively from this predetermined list. This frequently restricts children from pursuing their genuine talents and can hinder their prospects in the job market, particularly if they find themselves in a field, they have no true passion for. I believe that it is important that parents encourage their children to pursue fields of study that align with their interests and talents while considering future employability. Additionally, the right education in the west can provide our children with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in a global job market.
Social Impact and Community Engagement
Education not only benefits individuals but also has a profound impact on society. My parents believed that as Angolans, we should instil in our children the idea that education can be a tool for positive change. Encourage our children to use their education to address social issues, advocate for justice, and contribute to the betterment of our communities.
Furthermore, through education, our children can become informed citizens who actively participate in the democratic process, support humanitarian causes, and promote social equity. These values can help our children create a positive legacy both in the western societies they call home and in Angola.
The value of education for Angolan parents raising their children in the west cannot be overstated. Education empowers individuals, bridges cultural gaps, creates economic opportunities, and fosters social impact. By nurturing a love for learning and emphasizing the significance of education, we can guide our children towards a brighter future in their adopted western home while preserving our Angolan heritage. Ultimately, education equips our children with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world and make meaningful contributions to society.