Advance Comments
"Education for a Better World challenges us to do away with notions of education that are limited to classroom learning for the sole purpose of getting ahead as individuals. Instead, Dr. Olubayi presents a model of education that begins with the notion that we are all interconnected, with the idea that the kind of people we become will impact the world in which we live. His book not only inspires a love of lifelong learning, it also contains practical advice to achieve the knowledge necessary to better our world by truly educating ourselves to become informed global citizens."
–Dr. Danielle Gougon, Dean for Global Academic Programs, DRC, Rutgers University
“Education for a Better World is informative, comprehensive, deep, and thought provoking; written for the inquisitive mind, it gives you the tools for global success in the 21st century, especially for those from the African Diaspora. Read, learn from it and prosper.”
–Johnny Okafor, Software Engineer and Africa Development Expert
"Thank you Dr. Olubayi for stating so beautifully what is in the minds and hearts of all conscious human beings– that the problems we face in every system of our global environment can successfully be addressed through educating the children, with a commitment to sustainable development and service to all people, all living things and the environment”
–Jane Steele, Global Literacy Promoter
“Olubayi, you are a visionary who exemplifies Albert Einstein's words that, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” By sharing your passion for and love of books, you have inspired many of us, my family included, to promote literacy around the world. You have also brought hope to those who need it most by giving them the opportunity to own or read a book for the first time. You have taught us that bringing books and supplies where they are needed most is only the first step in global service learning. It is only when human relationships between cultures are established that the real learning begins for all involved in the process. The work of the Global Literacy Project makes it clear that with proper books, classrooms and education, the lives of recipients and donors are changed in profound ways forever”
–Anne DeLaney, Service Learning Advocate
“Education for a Better World sees right through the typical college student. What distinguishes this book is its wealth of solutions and methods of action to get us closer to being truly educated...It has re-awakened my thirst for education”
–Antanique Brown, Africana Studies and Medicine, Rutgers University and UMDNJ
“Education for a Better World is a must read for all those in the field of education. It offers great advice for teacher and student.”
–Denise Vanech, President, The Vanech Family Foundation
“These richly textured series of observations and stories are a reminder of our quest for community and of our entwined destinies.”
–Prof. Denniston Bonadie, Urban Planner & VP, Global Literacy Project
“My Dearest Comrade Prof. Olubayi, I’ve just read through Education for a Better World. It reminds me of what Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki and some of the Rivonia ‘Trialists’ said to me and other younger Comrades when we arrived on Robben Island in the late 1970’s, “this liberation struggle, its burdens and successes, carried and led by this movement, is nothing if you play no part in being vigilant about it and even leading it in the event that we fail it…” So, your assertion that “you are NOT educated for yourself ALONE, you are educated for yourself, and the rest of us” touches me so deeply. This book touches those wondrous places of glory of education, art, tradition, science and the highest activist standards of service for the children of lesser gods, through every human endeavour….a true depiction of ubuntu/botho!”
–Morakabe Raks Seakhoa, CEO Writeassociates.co.za & Freedom Fighter—jailed at Roben Island for 5 years with Nelson Mandela
“This book makes perfect sense. Amandla!!! – Viva!!! Education for a Better World”
–Mpho Kebitsamang Nawa, Executive Mayor, West Rand District Municipality, South Africa
“Education for a Better World brings to bear insight gained through valuable interactions with your fellow man and countless years of examining the various ways students and people in general learn. The book examines differences in learning styles and provides practical and insightful solutions. James Baldwin was correct when he said, “What societies really, ideally, want is a citizenry which will simply obey the rules of society.” Thank you for having the compassion and willingness to challenge the status quo. I want to personally thank you for motivating and inspiring me and countless others to become citizens of the world. I am not just an American, and I am more than an African American; I am a citizen of the world.”
–Phillip Hill, Chair of Board of Trustees, Fountain Baptist Church and dedicated contributor to building a better world
This is an intriguing, exciting, and much needed work that cuts across scholarly disciplines at the same time addresses global, national, community and personal developmental, educational and economic paths on the continent of Africa and elsewhere in the world.”
–Dr. Prosper Godonoo, Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Rutgers University
“Education for a Better World is an ambitious project tying together issues of education with a normative discussion of what global inequality means for us as citizens. A book filled with both theoretical exploration and practical advice, Education for a Better World synthesizes the reflections of a true cosmopolitan.”
–Shivani Radhakrishnan, Dept. of Philosophy, Princeton University