Celebrating the Power of Knowledge: International Day of Education

Posted On: 2024-01-24 12:38:34

Education is a powerful force that transcends borders and empowers individuals to shape their futures. Recognising the pivotal role that education plays in fostering sustainable development, the United Nations declared January 24th as the International Day of Education. This global observance aims to celebrate the importance of education and highlight its transformative impact on individuals and societies.

The Significance of International Day of Education:

As per the UNESCO report, around 258 million children and youth still do not attend school and about 617 million children and adolescents still do not attend schools. More than 387 million children of primary school age (56%) and 230 million adolescents of lower secondary school age (61%), do not achieve minimum proficiency levels in reading and maths.

The International Day of Education serves as a reminder of the fundamental right to education for all, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background. Education is not merely a means to acquire knowledge; it is a catalyst for change, a driver of economic growth, and a tool for promoting peace and understanding.

1. Equal Access to Education: The day emphasizes the need for equal access to quality education. Millions of children around the world still face barriers to education, including poverty, discrimination, and conflict. By promoting inclusive and equitable education, the International Day of Education seeks to break down these barriers and create opportunities for every child to learn and thrive.


2. Education for Sustainable Development: Education is a key component of sustainable development. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to address global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. By fostering a sense of responsibility and global citizenship, education empowers people to actively contribute to building a more sustainable and just world.


3. Technology and Innovation in Education: The digital age has transformed the education landscape, offering new possibilities for learning. The International Day of Education encourages the integration of technology and innovation into educational practices, making education more accessible and engaging. Online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and other technological advancements have the potential to reach learners in even the most remote areas.


4. Empowering Women and Girls: Gender equality is a crucial aspect of education. The day highlights the importance of equal educational opportunities for girls and women. Education empowers women to break the cycle of poverty, participate in decision-making processes, and contribute to the overall development of their communities.

The International Day of Education serves as a call to action for governments, educators, and communities to prioritize and invest in education. It is a day to celebrate the achievements in the field of education, recognize the challenges that still exist, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to learn and grow. By investing in education, we invest in the future, creating a world where knowledge is a powerful force for positive change.

Child Help Foundation with its crowdfunding partner Filaantro strives for quality education. It has been helping many rural village families' children have proper education with advanced technologies like practical labs, demo products and Smart Board facilities. In total, Child Help Foundation and Filaantro have reached out to 4,82,051 children with its Quality Education programme.

AUTHOR: ARUNIMA BASU