This will certainly mean different things to different people, so here's a running list of reasons and opinions that I have come across:
- So you can learn how to learn
- So that you'll get a job in the future
- So that you can signal to others that you are educated
- So that you'll be an informed citizen
- So that you can learn to interact with others (especially those who are different from you)
- So that you can make friends
- So that you can be exposed to things and explore
- So that you can learn to read, write & do math
- So that you can learn XYZ skill or about XYZ topic
- So that you have a safe space/haven
A big thing to think about is: Who wishes for each reason? Is it being accomplished?
What kinds of knowledge are valued in education?
Is knowledge appropriation encouraged more in certain fields or at different levels of education?