TRUE FREEDOM by ALEX

TRUE FREEDOM by ALEX - May 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I had unlimited time and money, I would use them to make school free for every person on the planet. Education is one of the most powerful tools for creating a better world. Yet, millions of children and adults still lack access to it due to financial barriers, lack of resources, and systemic inequality. Making school free would not only help individuals succeed but also create lasting, positive changes in communities, economies, and nations.

One of the biggest impacts of free education would be the fight against poverty. Education gives people the skills and knowledge they need to find work, earn money, and improve their lives. According to the United Nations, each additional year of schooling can increase a person’s income by about 10%. When people earn more, they can better support their families, invest in their communities, and break the cycle of poverty.

Many families cannot afford school fees, supplies, or transportation. If school were free, these families would no longer have to choose between sending their children to school and covering basic needs like food and shelter. With unlimited resources, I could fund not only tuition-free education but also meals, books, uniforms, and transportation—removing all the barriers that keep children from learning.

Free education would also help close the gender gap in many countries. In parts of the world, girls are often left out of school due to cultural beliefs, safety concerns, or economic hardship. When education is free and accessible, families are more likely to send both boys and girls to school.

Educated girls are more likely to delay marriage, have fewer children, and earn a higher income. They also tend to invest more in the health and education of their children. By using my resources to make schools safe, inclusive, and welcoming for girls, I could help empower millions of women around the world, leading to stronger families and more equal societies.

Education is the foundation of a strong and innovative economy. It produces skilled workers, future leaders, and creative thinkers. When more people have access to quality education, economies grow faster and are better able to adapt to change.

If school were free, more students could finish high school and go on to college or vocational training. They could become doctors, teachers, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs—careers that not only improve individual lives but also strengthen entire countries. With unlimited funds, I would invest in teacher training, technology, and modern school facilities to prepare students for the future job market.

There is a strong connection between education and health. People who are educated are more likely to understand medical information, practice healthy habits, and seek medical care when needed. Mothers with basic education are more likely to immunize their children and provide proper nutrition.

By making school free and accessible, people would be equipped with the knowledge they need to make healthier decisions. I would also use my resources to include health education in school curriculums, covering topics like nutrition, hygiene, mental health, and disease prevention. A more educated population means a healthier world with lower healthcare costs and longer lifespans.

Free education can also lead to a safer world. Studies have shown that higher education levels are linked to lower crime rates. When young people are in school, they are less likely to get involved in criminal activities and more likely to build a stable future.

By investing in education, we invest in peace and stability. Schools can teach not only academics but also values like empathy, responsibility, and cooperation. These lessons help shape citizens who care about their communities and contribute to the common good.

Free education helps promote understanding and tolerance between people of different backgrounds. When students learn about global cultures, histories, and perspectives, they become more open-minded and respectful. This kind of education can reduce racism, prejudice, and violence.

With my unlimited time and money, I would support global learning programs, language education, and exchange opportunities that help students connect across borders. A more educated world is a more united one—where problems are solved together, not in isolation.

Using unlimited time and money to make school free is not just a charitable act—it’s a strategic investment in a better world. Free education has the power to fight poverty, promote equality, improve health, reduce crime, and build peaceful, thriving societies. When every child, regardless of where they’re born, has the opportunity to learn and grow, we all benefit. Education changes lives—and with the right support, it can change the world.