International Day of Education

As we step into the promising year of 2024, we are thrilled to celebrate a day that holds immense significance in shaping futures and fostering empowerment- International Day of Education, observed on January 24^th each year. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power education holds for individuals and societies worldwide.

What is International Day of Education?

Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of Education is a global initiative dedicated to highlighting the pivotal role education plays in promoting peace development, and lifelong learning. It aligns seamlessly with the broader vision encapsulated in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4.

Why Celebrate in January 2024?

January 2024 provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of education in navigating a rapidly evolving world. It prompts us to consider how education equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. It emphasises the right to education for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

“About 244 million children and adolescents around the world are out of school; 617 million children and adolescents cannot read and do basic math; less than 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary school and some four million children and youth refugees are out of school. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable” Nations, U. (n.d.). International Day of Education. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day.

Denying inclusive and fair access to quality education and opportunities for everyone hampers countries from attaining gender equality and disrupting the cycle of poverty, which results in the exclusion of millions of children, youth and adults.

Each year, the day has a specific theme that highlights a particular aspect of education or addresses current global challenges related to education. This year the theme is “learning for lasting peace”. An unsettling surge in violent conflicts globally coincides with an increase in discrimination, racism, xenophobia and hate speech. The impact of this goes beyond boundaries based on geography, gender, race, religion and politics. Today, a resolute commitment to peace is imperative, a sentiment  emphasised by UNESCO. Efforts to educate for peace must undergo a transformative approach, instilling learners with the necessary knowledge, values, attitudes and skills. This empowerment is vital for individuals to become proactive agents of peace within their communities.