24th January - International Day of Education

On 3rd December 2018, The United Nations proclaimed 24th January a day to celebrate the role of education in bringing global peace and development. This year’s theme is “Changing Course, Transforming Education”, aiming at showcasing the most important transformations that have contributed to achieving UNESCO’s goals of a peaceful future for everyone.

Indeed, the world has been going through a process of incommensurable change in all areas due to climate awareness and health, among other factors. We have seen institutions, students and teachers turn to technology for help in order to continue learning via online platforms that connect individuals thousands of kilometres apart. Turning up to class has never been easier nor more comfortable, while commuting and relocating to study became, at least in many cases, a hassle of the past. At Libra we know this firsthand as our students based in China are able to count with the best tutors in the UK for their university entrance exams. Another example is the families who, due to the dangers of the current pandemic, have turned to home-schooling in order to guarantee their children high-quality education in a safe environment.

However, as this date is marked to highlight the fact that education is a human fundamental right (Art. 2 of the 1st Protocol), it is of paramount importance to remind ourselves that these changes, however advantageous, do not necessarily benefit us all. If we look a bit farther from our desks, we are likely to come across low-income households or even whole populations with little or no access to the technology necessary to progress professionally, thus enlarging the already existing educational gap. This means that not only is this date a day to celebrate but also to reflect on our actions and reality.

If we are to achieve peace and sustainable development - in other words, change course and transform our world - we must remember that education is both the destination and the road; it is the absolute pillar on which a well-functioning society relies to tackle any economic, political or social issue. That is why at Libra we strongly believe it deserves not just 24 hours a year in our minds, but every single day of our lives.