24 January International Day of Education

January 10, 2025

Each year on 24 January, the world celebrates the International Day of Education, recognising education as the cornerstone of personal growth, social progress, and sustainable development.

Why Education Matters

Education is not just a fundamental right; it is the foundation for building strong, thriving communities. From early childhood development to advanced skills training, learning equips individuals with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty, embrace opportunity, and contribute to society.

For South Africa, addressing gaps in access, quality, and equity in education is key to shaping a future of equality and progress. Currently, challenges such as under-resourced schools, learning losses from the COVID-19 pandemic, and high dropout rates among teens demand urgent attention.

A Call for Collective Action

The National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children highlights the need to prioritise interventions in early learning, language development, and inclusive education to unlock children’s full potential. By working together—government, civil society, and private sectors—we can ensure that every child and teenager has access to quality education and opportunities for lifelong learning.

How to Take Action

  • Support Learning Opportunities: Advocate for policies that invest in education infrastructure and teacher training.
  • Champion Equity: Engage in programmes that address barriers to education for marginalised groups, including children with disabilities and those in underserved areas.
  • Celebrate Local Initiatives: Shine a spotlight on success stories in your community that demonstrate the power of education to transform lives.

Inspiring the Next Generation

On International Day of Education, we are reminded that every lesson learned shapes a brighter tomorrow. Let us recommit to the goal of making education accessible and empowering for all, ensuring a thriving, cooperative nation for future generations.

Together, we can make every classroom a gateway to possibility.

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