Today, January 24th, marks the fifth edition of UNESCO’s International Day of Education, a day dedicated to the celebration of the role of education and its ability to drive global development and progress. Education is a fundamental human right and essential for the empowerment of individuals, communities, and nations. It is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth and is essential for achieving many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This year’s International Day theme is “to invest in people, prioritize education.”
Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth, and adults behind, states UNESCO’s website. “Today, 244 million children and youth are out of school, and 771 million adults are illiterate. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable. It’s time to transform education.”
UNESCO dedicates its initiatives this International Day to all the girls and women of Afghanistan who face inequalities because they have been denied their right to learn, study, and teach. The message UNESCO sends is that “when girls are educated, the entire society benefits.”
According to UNESCO.org, 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and adolescent women — 2.5 million people — are out of school.
Women’s presence in Afghan universities increased almost 20 times, from 5,000 students in 2001 to over 100,000 in 2021. This unjust decree has put a sudden halt to this progress.
In 2019, the first International Day of Education theme focused on “Education 2030: Global Commitments for Sustainable Development.” This theme highlighted the need for all stakeholders to work together to achieve SDGs 4, 5, and 6 (Quality Education) by 2030.
Why We Celebrate The International Day of Education
The International Day of Education was first established in 2019 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day was created to recognize the importance of education in achieving global peace and development. It’s a day to celebrate the progress made in education and to raise awareness of the importance of higher education in our lives.
Education fosters peace, tolerance, and understanding between individuals and communities. It provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world and to make informed decisions that benefit themselves and their communities. Education also promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment, as it is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting sustainable development.
However, despite its importance, many individuals worldwide are still denied access to today’s education systems. According to UNESCO, over 250 million children and youth are out of school, and many more are in school but not learning. This highlights the need for increased investment in education and learning opportunities.
Teaching Abroad Is An Excellent Way To Contribute Towards Making Education More Accessible
Teaching abroad is a great option if you’re looking for a way to contribute to global education while traveling. There are thousands of schools around the world that need ESL teachers and licensed, certified teachers. You’ll have the chance to make an impact on the well-being of students’ lives by helping them learn and improve their chances at getting into university or finding employment later in life.
How To Get Started Teaching Abroad
International Day Of Education may officially be only once a year on the 24th of January, but celebrating the power of education is something that can be done year-round.
If you’re considering teaching abroad, getting certified with a TEFL to teach English abroad or with a teacher certification to teach K-12 will help you stand out from the crowd and help you land your dream teaching job abroad.
Start with our state-approved, official fast-track alternative Teacher Certification Program and get licensed in under a year. Or, consider teaching English abroad and take a TEFL course to get your TEFL certification.
