Celebrating the International Day of Education 2024 – Learning for Lasting Peace.

The theme for this years celebration is; “Learning for Lasting Peace.” The theme couldn’t have come at a better time as there has been so much unrest and conflict around the world. Education is a powerful tool that can combat violence and conflict.

The 24th of January is observed globally as the International Day of Education. It is a day set apart to celebrate the impact of education and create awareness about the importance of education. For this reason, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed January 24th as the International Day of Education in December 2018.

We at Sarauta Network believe in the power of education. We see education as an effective tool in fighting marginalization, underdevelopment and the many ills in our society. Therefore, we will always advocate for easily accessible and quality education.

It will benefit you to note a few things about education.

Education is a human right enshrined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This Declaration calls for free and compulsory elementary/primary/basic education.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, stipulates that countries shall make higher education accessible to all.
250 million children are out of school (UNESCO).
763 million adults are illiterate (UNESCO).
617 million children and adolescents cannot read and do basic math.
Less than 40% of girls in sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary school.
32.6 million young girls in Africa are out of school (UNESCO).
9 million African girls between the ages of 6 and 11 will never set foot in a classroom (UNESCO).

Therefore, we’re saying a big NO to the current statistics behind girl child education in Africa – and the world at large. Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. For this reason, education is undeniably linked to development and economic empowerment.

Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, Africa as a continent will not succeed in achieving gender equality. Also, without education, breaking the cycle of poverty that has kept us underdeveloped. This is why the governments of African nations must make quality education easily accessible to all.

The theme for this year’s celebration is; “Learning for Lasting Peace.” The theme couldn’t have come at a better time as there has been so much unrest and conflict around the world. Education is a powerful tool that can combat violence and conflict.

To commemorate International Day of Education 2024, we will be sharing inspiring stories of young African women, whose lives have been impacted positively by quality education. These women from various walks of life are currently thriving at what they do. Please find direct links to their various interviews below. I was personally inspired by all their stories and I am sure you would be too.

Enjoy reading!