The International Day of Education: A Call for Inclusive and Equitable Education
On January 24, we celebrate the International Day of Education, a day that emphasizes the importance of education for peace and development. This year's theme, "Recover and Revitalize Education for the COVID-19 Generation," is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing pandemic and its impact on education worldwide.
The Global Education Crisis
According to UNESCO, approximately 244 million children and adolescents are out of school globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, less than 40% of girls complete lower secondary school, and over 600 million children and adolescents cannot read and do basic math. These statistics underscore the urgent need for action to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Education as a Fundamental Right
The right to education is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The international community has recognized education as essential for sustainable development and has set a goal to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education by 2030, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Role of Youth in Co-creating Education
Young people are a powerful force for innovation, social change, and sustainable development. In the words of Antnio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, we must listen to the voices of young people and act on their pleas for qualified teachers, relevant skills and competencies training, and equitable access to technology.
Implications for North East India
In the North East region of India, the diversity of languages and vernacular mediums presents unique challenges in ensuring quality education. The performance of government schools often lags behind that of privately managed schools, and there is a shortage of teachers in many government schools. Effective leadership and innovative programs are needed to address these challenges and ensure quality education for all.
A Forward-looking Perspective
As we strive to recover and revitalize education in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we engage youth as active partners in the co-creation of education systems that are inclusive, resilient, and innovative. By empowering young people to take the lead in ensuring quality education, we can build a brighter future for all.