International Day of Education

International Day of Education History

International Day of Education serves to celebrate and acknowledge the fundamental role of education in prompting peace and development. This observance highlightsthe fact that education is not a privilege, but a basic human right, and a public cause. The day offers an ideal platform to advocate for inclusive and equitable education for all children, adults and lifelong learners.

The inception of the International Day of Education can be traced back to 2018, when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed it to highlight the significance of education in aiding sustainable development. For Australians, this day presents an opportunity to reflect on the quality and accessibility of education in our country. While Australia generally boasts a high standard of education, challenges, particularly in relation to equity among indigenous communities and rural regions, remain substantial. The International Day of Education serves as a reminder for us to address these inequalities.

In Australia, the International Day of Education is typically commemorated through various educational and public events, including seminars, workshops and conferences, either physical or virtually. Schools, colleges and universities play a pivotal role in awareness-raising activities, encompassing issues of educational inclusivity, quality and lifelong learning. Commemorative activities often place a spotlight on ongoing efforts to improve and equalize education in all corners of the country. This special observance takes place globally on January 24th each year.

Facts about International Day of Education

• The theme for International Day of Education in 2024 was Learning for lasting peace. In 2023, the theme was to invest in people, prioritize education.
• According to Article 26 of the U.N's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to education. Article 26 goes further and states that education shall be free at the elementary and fundamental stage. It also states that higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
• Around 262 million children and youth still do not attend school, according to statistics from the United Nations. The day is aimed at advocating for quality education and equal access to education for all.
• Australia's education system consistently ranks in the top ten globally for overall quality. The country's schools and universities are internationally renowned for their high academic standards, advanced learning facilities, cutting-edge technology, and skilled educators.
• The government invested AUD 22.9 billion in public schools in 2019-2020, while the higher education sector received more than AUD 17 billion in funding during the same period.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of Education

Top things to do in Australia for International Day of Education

• ------------------------------------------------
• Popular things to do on International Day of Education in Australia are:
  1) Visit a Museum: Australia is home to a large number of impressive museums such as the Australian Museum in Sydney, the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, or the Melbourne Museum. These offer a wealth of knowledge about the history and culture of Australia and the world.
  2) Visit a Zoo: Places like the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, the Melbourne Zoo, or the Australia Zoo in Queensland offer great educational experiences about wildlife.
  3)Plan a Visit to the National Library of Australia: This library holds a significant part of Australia's history and knowledge.
  4) Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens: There are botanical gardens in Sydney, Melbourne, and other major cities. These are excellent places to learn about plant biodiversity.