International Day of Education: Why Access to Learning is a Human Right

Education connects us; it empowers communities, strengthens families, opens minds, and breaks cycles of poverty. That’s why, on January 24th, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Education: a UN-recognized day dedicated to affirming education as a fundamental human right, not a privilege. In a world experiencing rapid transformation—in climate, technology, health, and equity, education remains one of the most powerful tools we have for creating positive, sustainable change.

Why Education Matters More Than Ever

While access to education has improved worldwide, nearly 244 million children and youth are still out of school, and over 773 million adults remain illiterate—most of them women and rural populations. For many, barriers include poverty, war, displacement, disability, and gender inequality.

But the ripple effects of education are immense:

• Improved health outcomes: Educated people are more likely to access healthcare services, practice healthy behaviors, and raise children who thrive.

• Economic mobility: For every year a child stays in school, their earning potential increases—especially crucial in developing communities.

• Gender equality: Educating girls has been directly linked to lower rates of early marriage, reduced maternal mortality, and improved community well-being.

• Democracy and peace: Literate societies are more likely to engage in civic participation, resist extremism, and resolve conflict through dialogue.

• Environmental awareness: Today’s students become tomorrow’s environmental stewards. Education empowers learners to understand and respond to global challenges like climate change and sustainability.

  
  

For children, in particular, education doesn’t just offer opportunity—it builds identity, social-emotional skills, and confidence.

Education in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of over 1.6 billion learners, exacerbating existing inequalities in access and quality. While digital classrooms allowed some continuity, those without internet, supportive caregiving, or quiet spaces to learn were left behind.

This has caused troubling long-term gaps, especially among marginalized students, neurodivergent learners, and children in poverty. On the International Day of Education, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to rebuild stronger, more inclusive education system that meet the needs of diverse learners and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

What Can Families and Communities Do?

You don’t need to be a teacher to make education a priority in your household or community. Here’s how caregivers, local advocates, and families can support equitable learning:

1. Talk about school, read together, and show curiosity about the world around you.

2. Support public libraries and learning programs. These remain some of the most accessible educational resources for families.

   Push for technology access, support for students with learning differences, and culturally responsive curriculum.

3. Support global organizations working to bring education to refugee camps, low-income regions, and disaster zones.

4. Recognize teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, librarians, and mentors—they are the backbone of learning.

   
   

Education Begins Before the Classroom

Learning doesn’t start at school—it starts at home, in relationships, through curiosity, community, and conversation. Whether you’re teaching your toddler how to count with snacks or helping a teen research careers, your involvement matters. Access is important, but involvement is transformational.

The International Day of Education reminds us that learning is a right, not a reward. It’s a building block for dignity, agency, and hope. No matter where we live or how old we are, education has the power to shape our identities and shift the world toward greater justice and possibility.