International Day of Education

International Day of Education 

January 24, 2023 

     The International Day of Education, also known as Education Day, is a United Nations observance that takes place annually on January 24^th. The day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of education for individuals, and communities worldwide. 

     Education is a fundamental human right and a crucial tool for achieving sustainable development. It enables people to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values they need to participate fully in their communities and in the wider world. Education also promotes gender equality and empowers women and girls, who are often marginalized and denied access to educational opportunities.  

     Access to education is still a major challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in low-income countries. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), there are still approximately 258 million children and youth worldwide who are out of school. Additionally, many of those who do attend school do not receive a quality education. This is due to a lack of funding, trained teachers, adequate infrastructure, and the impact of COVID-19. 

     The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education systems around the world. With schools and universities shutting down to prevent the spread of the virus, students have been forced to adapt to remote learning. This presented a number of challenges, including a lack of access to technology, difficulty staying motivated, and feelings of isolation.  

     One of the main challenges facing educators during the pandemic has been the shift to remote learning. Many students lack access to technology or have limited internet connectivity, making it difficult for them to participate in online classes. Additionally, remote learning can be isolating, and it can be difficult to create a sense of community and engagement.  

     As the world transitions back to normalcy (Post COVID-19), it is important to prioritize equity in education. This means ensuring that all students have access to the technology and resources they need to participate in in-person/and or remote learning. It also means providing support for students who are struggling with mental health and creating opportunities for social interaction.  

     The United Nations has set several education-related goals and targets as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the key SDG targets is to ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education by 2030.

     The SDGs also aim to eliminate gender disparities in education and promote equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.  

     The International Day of Education is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of education and the challenges that still need to be overcome. On this day, governments, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to take-action to promote education and ensure that it is accessible to all. This could include investing in educational infrastructure, training teachers, and providing scholarships for disadvantaged students.  

     In conclusion, education is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. The International Day of Education is an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of education and recommit to providing access to quality education for all. It is time to invest in education and make sure that every child and youth has access to it.  

Action Items 

There are many ways in which individuals and organizations can get involved in the International Day of Education and support efforts to promote education and ensure that it is accessible to all. Some possible action items include: 

1. Raising awareness: One of the most important ways to get involved is to raise awareness about the importance of education and the challenges that still need to be overcome. This could involve sharing information about the International Day of Education through social media, talking to friends and family, or organizing a local event to mark the day.  
2. Volunteering: Volunteering is another great way to get involved in the International Day of Education. Organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF and other local NGOs that work to improve access to education in developing countries often welcome volunteers who can help with teaching, tutoring, or other educational activities.  
3. Advocacy: You can advocate for education by contacting your local representatives and encouraging them to support policies and programs that promote education and improve access to it, you can also write to your local and national newspapers to raise awareness about challenges that people face in accessing education.  
4. Donating: Many organizations rely on donations to fund their work in promoting education and improving access to it. Consider donating to a reputable organization that is working to improve education in a country or region where it is needed most.  
5. Sponsoring a child: Supporting a child through sponsorship can be a powerful way to make a difference in the life of a child and help to provide them with access to education. Some of the organizations like “Save the Children” and “World
   Vision” provide this kind of support.  

1. Participating in online events: Many organizations will hold events and webinars to mark the International Day of Education, and you can participate in those events and learn more about the issues facing education and ways in which you can help make a difference.  
2. Support education system in local area: Support your local schools and education center by volunteering, donating, or mentoring students.  

     These are just a few examples of ways to get involved in the International Day of Education. The most important thing is to take action and do something to support education and improve access to it.  

Resources 

• International Day of Education | UNESCO 
• Pandemic widened California’s ‘achievement gap’ | Dan Walters | | news-journal.com 
• Ventura County schools see math, English test scores plummet during COVID-19 pandemic (aol.com) 
  
• https://www.axios.com/2022/12/11/colleges-universities-sat-enrollment-applications