Interconnectedness of the Goals: Goal 3 & Goal 4

Image credit: Harwich & Dovercourt

One of the most exciting aspects of the Global Goals is their interconnectedness. Previously, the multiple areas of development have been treated rather separately within their own categories. Now, however, we have a way to explore how social, environmental and economic development are all related to one another. This year, we are exploring how each goal and their associated targets need to see the achievement of each other in order to be fulfilled as a whole.

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being and Goal 4: Quality Education

Goal 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and Goal 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

There is a strong correlation between good health and academic achievement.

Research shows that education leads to longer life-expectancy and reduced rates of illness.

We see this correlation when looking at health and education in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 59% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged between 15 and 34 years, who had completed Year 12 reported excellent / very good health in 2008. Those who had left school early, only 49% reported excellent / very good health. For people aged 35 years and over, 43% of those who had completed Year 12 reported excellent / very good health in 2008 and 25% who had left school early.

There is also a correlation between the likelihood of smoking and education levels among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Of those aged between 15 and 34 years of age who had completed Year 12, 34% reported to be current daily smokers, compared to 68% who had left school early. For people over the age of 35, the rates were 36% and 48% respectively.

Healthier children are also more receptive to learning as their cognitive function and concentration perform at a higher level. This means children need to get adequate sleep, participate in adequate exercise and ensure an adequate intake of fruit and vegetables.

To find out more about these two goals and their interrelatedness, you can read more by visiting #Goal3: #GoodHealth and #WellBeing and #Goal4: #QualityEducation.

This article was originally published on the Global Goals Australia Campaign website.

#globalgoals #goal3 #goal4 #goodhealth #wellbeing #qualityeducation #interconnectednessseries