GLOBAL MINDSET: CONNECTING THE WORLD THROUGH EDUCATION

Image Credit : Krishan Edirisinghe
Written by : Gayathma Weerawanni

Today is the International Day of Education and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate! This special day has been designated by the United Nations to acknowledge the crucial role that education plays in our world. But how did this day come to be, and what makes it so important? Let's dive in and find out!

The origin of the International Day of Education can be traced back to the United Nations General Assembly, which proclaimed the day in 2018. The assembly recognized that education is a fundamental human right and plays a vital role in the sustainable development of our world.

As we look back on the evolution of education, it's incredible to see how far we've come. From the earliest forms of education, which were often informal and passed down through oral tradition, to the modern educational systems we have today, education has always been an essential part of human society. In recent years, we've seen an increased focus on making education accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status or location. This has been a crucial step towards building a more equitable and just world.

The importance of education cannot be overstated. It not only plays a key role in personal development, but it also has a ripple effect that touches every aspect of our society. Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions, fosters critical thinking and creativity, and leads to greater economic and social mobility. It also plays an essential role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

World leaders are also paying attention to the importance of education, and they are making significant contributions to promote education for all. They are actively investing in education and working to provide access to quality education to all children, regardless of where they live. Moreover, they are also working to create opportunities for lifelong learning, to ensure that people of all ages can continue to learn and grow throughout their lives.

We have seen various world leaders, like Malala Yousafzai, who have made significant contributions to the field of education. 

Malala, a young education advocate from Pakistan, has been fighting for the rights of girls to receive an education. Her work has inspired millions of people around the world and has helped to bring attention to the importance of education for girls. 

We have also seen UNESCO, UNICEF and other organizations working towards providing education to the underprivileged children.

In conclusion, the International Day of Education is an important day to reflect on the role that education plays in our world. It's a day to celebrate the progress we've made and to recommit to the work that still needs to be done. Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all of us, and we must continue to support it in any way we can. So, let's raise our pencils and celebrate the International Day of Education!