International Day of Education

International Day of Education History

International Day of Education seeks to emphasize the crucial role of education in promoting peace and development. The day is not only aimed at raising awareness about the importance of education for everyone's wellbeing, equality and sustainability but also focuses on illuminating the unresolved issues in education that are yet to achieve significant improvements globally. The purpose of this observance day also points towards the ongoing global education crisis due to lack of resources, opportunities, or political instability which prevent many children from receiving basic education.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Day of Education on December 3, 2018 in recognition of the role of education for peace and development. For New Zealand, this day has a unique significance as education is one of the critical pillars of its society. New Zealand is known globally for its high standards in education and its innovative methods of teaching and learning. By observing International Day of Education, New Zealand reaffirms its commitment to ensuring quality education for all of its residents. Moreover, it is an opportunity to spotlight the advancements New Zealand has made in the realm of education, and also to acknowledge the areas in need of improvement to ensure equal access to education for all.

In New Zealand, International Day of Education is generally observed with various seminars, presentations, and workshops focusing on enhancing the quality of education. Many educational institutions hold events where educators, researchers, and policy makers discuss the prevailing trends and challenges in the field of education. Additionally, various social and digital media campaigns are also run to raise awareness on the importance of quality education for all. Though not a public holiday, this observance takes place annually on January 24th.

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.
• In the 2020 PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), New Zealand ranked 11th overall in reading and science, and 15th in mathematics.
• According to the OECD, New Zealand spends approximately 6.3% of its GDP on education, which is higher than the OECD average.

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

Top things to do in NZ for International Day of Education

• Popular books to read about the importance of education in New Zealand are:
  The New Zealand Education System: An Overview by Harold Entwistle
  The Politics of Learning and Teaching in Aotearoa - New Zealand Edited by Eve Coxon, Kuni Jenkins, James Marshall
  Education in New Zealand: An Oxford Bibliography by Warwick James Elley
  Education and Society in Aotearoa New Zealand by Hugh Lauder
  Exploring Society: Sociology for New Zealand Students by Claudia Bell
• Popular things to do on International Day of Education in New Zealand are:
  1) Visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa: Located in Wellington, this museum offers interactive learning experiences about New Zealand’s history and culture. Education-focused exhibits and activities could align with the day.
  2) Enjoy an Educational Tour at Wellington Zoo: Zoos typically have education programs where visitors learn about animals, conservation, and wildlife. A visit here could fit the observance's ethos.
  3) Explore New Zealand's education history at Fergusson Hall: It's an exhibit that gives information about the history of education in New Zealand.