Where to Find a Home Essay Example
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Nelson Mandela once said. That’s why the most successful societies have integrated quality education into their cultures. This is seen most significantly in Switzerland, Canada, and Iceland. The best countries in the world have effective education systems and equal rights.
Coming in at third is Switzerland. Education is extremely important to Swiss citizens. The quality of education is outstanding no matter where one decides to settle down. Every teacher found in this country’s education system is well respected and well educated. Even the tools kids are provided with are of high quality and are very sustainable.
The school system is very personal as well. Each student can get specialized education related to the career path they choose. This is very beneficial because they will only be learning things they need to know later on in life. Having a good education is important for people to learn how to think for themselves and understand how the world works around them.
Additionally, Switzerland has improved greatly in the aspect of women’s rights. It has only been 50 years since women won their right to vote and their right to run in an election. “In 2019, for instance, women won over 40% of parliamentary seats” (Janicke). This shows just how much progress women have made in politics recently.
As for women’s employment (role in the workforce), it has been quite hard for people to change their traditional views of the roles assigned to them. “In fact, the traditional view of women as homemakers was part of Swiss Civil Law until 1988” (Janicke). In present-day Switzerland, about 50% of the workforce is made up of women. They even ranked 18th place in the Global Gender Gap Report from 2020. Living in a society that has equal opportunities for everyone makes most citizens happier and more successful.
Canada is next at a close second. Canadian students are successful and committed to their studies. With such a high dedication to their education, these individuals have been able to pass the United States in student performance by quite a bit. “. . . a strong teacher force has been a common element across the country, as has a strong foundation of social supports, including health care for all Canadians funded, in large part, by the federal government” (Top Performing Countries). Having good teachers and support outside of school can strongly impact how well students perform academically. Students with these benefits will learn things more effectively and will be more willing to learn.
Additionally, the system is very diverse. “Nearly 30% of the province's [Ontario’s] population is immigrant . . . about 42% of its [British Columbia’s] student population is first or second generation immigrant” (Top Performing Countries). Despite the diversity, there is practically no difference in the students’ academic scores. When good effort and good treatment are combined, it is easy for students in this country to be successful in their academic careers.
The rights that the Canadian government has incorporated for women are another important attribute of this country. This group of people strives for equality and has legal rights to protect it. There is the Canadian Human Rights Act which states that citizens of Canada have the right to equality without discrimination from the government. One of the most important rights covered in the law is equal pay. “ . . . the Female Employees Equal Pay Act of 1956, which made wage discrimination based on sex against the law” (Rights of women). Everyone in Canada is also allowed to vote - this means they all have a say in what these laws are that are protecting them. These rights are important because they all help protect people from unfair treatment based on something they have no control over.
Finally, the number one country in the world: Iceland. All people in Iceland get an equal opportunity in education. “According to the nation's website, ‘A fundamental principle of the Icelandic educational system is that everyone should have equal opportunities to acquire an education, irrespective of sex, economic status, residential location, religion, possible handicap and cultural or social background’” (Elder). Schooling is paid for by the government (other than registration for preschool and university.) That means education is accessible to everyone throughout the country. Due to this, Iceland has one of the highest literary rates in the world. These things all help to lower the unemployment rate, which results in many more happy and fulfilled lives.
“Icelanders take pride in their fellow Icelanders who do well” (Gender Equality in Iceland). In Iceland, all genders are treated equally and with equal respect. This country has scored number one in the Global Gender Gap Index for quite a few years. As for the gender pay gap, “such discrimination has been prohibited by law since 1961” (Gender Equality in Iceland). The Equal Pay standard was introduced in 2018 - this law forces businesses to have equal pay for men and women. Politically speaking, Icelanders have made tons of progress. “ . . . in 2012 . . . the first woman and gay Prime Minister in Iceland took power” (Gender Equality in Iceland). These steps are some of the biggest in the world to lead to the equality of the sexes. Iceland might even inspire other nations to do the same in the future.
When looking for a place to live, one should choose a country with quality education and minimal discrimination. Switzerland, Canada, and Iceland all fulfill the following criteria. These nations value education and provide it to all. Every citizen has the right to equal treatment as well. Overall, finding a home where one is respected no matter what can change one's life.
