It is no surprise that Christians have long been involved in education –
the quest for human flourishing and wholeness is at the heart of the
gospel, and education is critical to that quest. Good education has the
power to transform our relationships with ourselves, with each other,
with and within communities and ultimately between nation states. But
what is surprising is our theological silence in the face of the deep
injustices which lie at the heart of our education system.
In
Inequality and Flourishing, Mariama Ifode-Blease explores and exposes
these inequalities, and calls for a greater remembrance of the bountiful
and daunting gift of stewardship we have as we educate young people.
Drawing
on interviews, she offers a fresh vision of education as being about
giving children the best tools to be stewards of their minds and bodies,
our communities and ultimately our planet.
Dr Mariama Ifode-Bleade is a former headteacher and now
a curate at St James’ Picadilly. A seasoned campaigner for justice in
the education system, she sits on the Editorial Board of Magnet, is a
Fulbright Scholar, and also a mentor with Target Oxbridge, a programme
that supports BAME students to realise their full potential.