Unveiling the Significance of International Education Day: A Glimpse into its History and Theme

International Education Day: A Historical Overview

On November 20, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly first passed the mandate for compulsory education for children’s rights. Fast forward to December 3, 2018, the UN General Assembly, recognizing the importance of education in peace and development worldwide, proposed compulsory education for 58 member countries, including Nigeria. This laid the groundwork for the inception of International Education Day on January 24, 2019. UNESCO, an organization dedicated to focusing on education, emphasizes that education is crucial in building commitment to peace.

UNESCO’s Director General’s Insight

Audrey Azoulay, the Director General of UNESCO, highlights the immediate danger of spreading hateful speech in communities. According to her, our best defense is education, which should be at the forefront of any peace efforts.

 

Embracing the Theme: Education for Peace

UNESCO stresses the urgency of working towards peace, making education a priority more than ever. The goal of this year’s celebration is to demonstrate how education and educators can counteract hate-filled rhetoric.

250 Million Children Out of School: A Stark Reality

According to UNESCO’s report, a staggering 250 million children and youth are currently out of school, with approximately 76 million adults being illiterate. This highlights the critical need for global attention and action in the field of education.

Education Rights in India

In India, the Right to Education was made mandatory after the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2009. The amendment ensures free education for children aged 6 to 14. However, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report in 2019 revealed that 3.2 crore Indian children aged up to 13 years had never attended school, with a majority belonging to the marginalized sections. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) further revealed that 25% of rural children under 13 years in India are deprived of education, unable to even complete basic Class 2 courses.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – International Education Day

 

1. What is International Education Day?

International Education Day is a global observance dedicated to promoting the importance of education in fostering peace and development. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on January 24, 2019.

2. Why was International Education Day initiated?

The day was initiated to underscore the significance of education in achieving peace and development goals globally. It aims to raise awareness about the need for accessible and quality education for all.

3. When is International Education Day celebrated?

International Education Day is celebrated annually on January 24th.

4. What is the history behind International Education Day?

The history traces back to November 20, 1989, when the United Nations General Assembly passed the mandate for compulsory education for children’s rights. The official celebration began on January 24, 2019.

5. What is the theme for International Education Day?

The theme for International Education Day varies each year. The overarching goal is to emphasize the role of education in fostering peace. Check official announcements for the specific theme of the current year.

6. How does UNESCO contribute to International Education Day?

UNESCO, as an organization focused on education, plays a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of education in building commitments to peace. The Director General, Audrey Azoulay, has emphasized the role of education in countering hate speech.

7. What are the current challenges in global education?

One significant challenge is the staggering number of children and youth out of school, estimated at 250 million. Additionally, adult illiteracy remains a concern, with approximately 76 million adults lacking basic literacy skills.

8. How does India address education rights?

In India, the Right to Education was made mandatory through the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2009. The amendment ensures free education for children aged 6 to 14. However, challenges persist, as revealed by reports highlighting children who have never attended school.

9. How can individuals support International Education Day?

Individuals can show support by raising awareness about the importance of education, participating in relevant events, and contributing to organizations working towards accessible education globally. Additionally, consider supporting initiatives like UNESCO’s education-focused programs.

10. Where can I find more information about International Education Day?

For more information about International Education Day, including current themes and initiatives, refer to official sources such as the United Nations and UNESCO websites. Stay updated on global efforts to promote education for peace and development.