Quality Education

International Day of Education

On the 24th January, the world celebrated the International Day of Education. But why is this so important?

The need for Quality Education has it’s own dedicted Sustaible Development Goal – Goal 4!  We break down why this is important for us, for you and for the rest of the world…

The Facts:

  • 262 million children and adolescents worldwide are still not enrolled in school
  • Knowledge enables people to break away from the cycle of poverty- 171 million people would be equipped to break out of poverty with basic literacy skills.
  • Access to education supports equality by improving equal rights (between different races, religions and genders) and promotes a structured, peaceful society where conflict may otherwise overwhelm communities.
  • Across the globe 750 million people over the age of 15 cannot read or write.
  • Education is a human right – enshrined in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it calls for free and compulsory elementary education.
  • Education is key to sustainable development and impacts all 17 global goals.

 

 “We must do far more to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4, to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”  – UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

How can you help?

  1. Fundraise for Oxfam or Unicef, or charities such as Pencils of Promise or Classroom of Hope
  2. If you’re considering a gap year, why not volunteer with a school building programme? UCAS provides some great links to reputable companies.
  3. Collect and donate materials such as books, pencils, pens and paper to schemes that send them to developing countries, such as Develop Africa, or purchase and send directly via Amazon Wishlists! 
Posted by Claire Edwards 29 January 2021

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