Education
Education is important for personal development and well-being, to enable individuals to earn a decent livelihood and contribute to society, and for the health and development of the economy at local and national levels. But there are many inequalities in access to education, what is imparted (taught) may not always meet the priority needs of the individuals or the society, and the extent of real learning varies depending on the way education is delivered.
What “Transforming our World – Agenda 2030” says about education…
In the declaration (#25), governments commit to “providing inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels – early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, technical and vocational training. All people, irrespective of sex, age, race or ethnicity, and persons with disabilities, migrants, indigenous peoples, children and youth, especially those in vulnerable situations, should have access to life-long learning opportunities that help them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to exploit opportunities and to participate fully in society. We will strive to provide children and youth with a nurturing environment for the full realization of their rights and capabilities, helping our countries to reap the demographic dividend, including through safe schools and cohesive communities and families.”
SDG-4 is: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
Under SDG-4, target 4.7 is: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development”.
Share your experience and ideas:
- Do all young people in your community/locality/country get a good education that prepares them life and enables them to contribute to society? If not, what’s wrong?
- What knowledge and skills are needed to promote sustainable development (including the social, economic and environmental aspects)? Does education is your community/location develop such knowledge and skills? If not, what’s missing?
- How can education contribute to progress towards the SDGs and the general well-being of people and our planet? (Please provide practical examples)