Why debt justice matters
After a summer of sun and sport, Scotland’s pupils and teachers are heading back to school. Val Brown, Head of Christian Aid Scotland, thinks back to the days when she was going back to school.
“I used to dread going back to school because it meant the end of playing outside with friends all day and being forced back into hand-me-down uniforms and stiff school shoes. The night before, I would make sure that my pencils were sharpened and my school bag ready. But I never considered whether my family would be able to afford it because education is free for everyone in the UK to access, regardless of their financial circumstances. And it is all paid for by tax.
After 24 years of working in international development, it is still shocking to me that millions of children are being denied their human right to education because governments in lower income countries are forced to spend huge amounts of money repaying debts instead of investing in public services. Blocking access to education is a stark example of a global economic system that too often puts profit before people.
Debt is costing children their education
Malawi is one of 25 African countries spending more on debt repayments than on education. Fewer than half of Malawi’s children complete their primary education. Only 15 percent finish secondary school. But If Malawi’s external debt were reduced to 10 percent of the Government budget, they could put 523 more primary teachers into schools, or enable 16,500 more children to complete primary school. At Kanyindula Primary School in Mchinji, Head Teacher Moses Matalika sees the impact every day.
"The government spends a lot of money on debt, while here in schools we have no books for teaching. On top of that the government is failing to employ enough teachers. The learners are many while the teachers are few, leading to a single teacher handling over 100 students."
The government spends a lot of money on debt, while here in schools we have no books for teaching.
Campaigning for debt justice
Christian Aid has never just existed to deal with the symptoms of poverty. We also advise decision makers on how they can fix the broken financial system. In July, as a result of conversations with Christian Aid and other international organisations, the Scottish Government made a commitment to pursue debt and climate justice across the Commonwealth. And while the Scottish Government supports action on debt justice, the power to change debt repayment rules ultimately lies with the UK Government.
This autumn, the Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill will be reintroduced at Westminster. If passed, it would encourage private lenders – who are governed by English law - to participate fully in international debt relief initiatives. This new law could mean that countries like Malawi wouldn’t have to spend more on debt than vital public services like education.
New term, new law.
Put your hand up
We wish our young people and teachers well as they go back into classrooms across Scotland. But for the millions across the world who can’t access life changing opportunity, Christian Aid is asking you to put your hand up and raise your voice.
Help make education affordable for children across the world. Contact your MP and call for justice, for fair taxation and for unsustainable debt to be cancelled.
Download your Back to School guide for prayers, stories and how to take action with your church.
