International Day of Education

International Day of Education History

International Day of Education seeks to celebrate and promote the importance of education for peace and development. This observance highlights the crucial role of quality education in enhancing social progress, reducing poverty, and promoting global socialization. It underscores that education is not just a fundamental human right, but a pivotal element that empowers people to lead healthier, more productive lives.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Education on December 3rd, 2018 in celebration of the crucial role that education plays in peace and development. For Canadians, this day offers an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment to universal education, as well as to inspect and improve its own educational system. Canada is renowned globally for its high standard of education and commitment to facilitating access to education for all of its citizens as well as newcomers to the region.

In Canada, International Day of Education is marked by various programs, including digital campaigns, symposiums, community forums, and school events aimed at promoting the importance and value of education. These functions offer platforms for dialogue about the state of education in Canada and how it can be improved. This observance generally coincides globally on January 24th, a date chosen by the United Nations.

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.
• According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canadian students usually rank above average in international assessments of reading, mathematics, and science.
• Canada has one of the highest literacy rates globally, standing at over 97%. The high school graduation rate in Canada is approximately 89%, making it one of the top-performing countries in terms of secondary education completion.

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

Top things to do in Canada for International Day of Education

• Films to watch that relate to International Day of Education in Canada are:
  Education, Change, and Society in Canada - This documentary explores the historical development of education in Canada, the influence of social trends on educational policies and practices, and the impact of education on individual life chances and community vitality.
  The Forbidden Education - Originally an Argentine film, it looks at the education system and suggests improvements, many of which are relevant to the Canadian context.
  School's Out: The Life That Follows - This documentary looks at the lack of mentorship and guidance for students from low-income families in Canada.
  Cooper Elementary: A Journey to Discovery - This film provides a candid look at the educational system in Newfoundland, as well as the efforts of one school district to implement a new inclusive education model.
• Popular events to attend for International Day of Education in Canada are:
  1) Education Fairs: Various Canadian institutions organize fairs that introduce students and parents to the plethora of educational opportunities available, both within Canada and overseas.
  2) Seminars and Workshops: Universities, colleges, and other educational organizations often host special seminars or workshops that explore diverse educational topics. These might deal with innovative learning methods, technology in education, or the challenges and opportunities of education in Canada.
  3) Online webinars: In the era of digital technology, International Day of Education is often marked with webinars that discuss current education trends, share successful education projects, or host discussions about the future of education. Experts from various fields of education are invited to share their insights.
  4) Art and cultural events: Some institutions celebrate by hosting cultural performances, photo exhibitions, poetry readings, etc. that showcase the various ways that learning and knowledge can be expressed.