In a joint statement to mark World Teacher’s Day, the heads of ILO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP and Education International underlined the need for quality teaching for the world’s schoolchildren.
They revealed that more than 263 million children and youth worldwide are not in school; while a staggering 617 million children and adolescents, nearly 60 per cent globally, are not literate.
According to the statement, education is a fundamental human right and a public good; which transforms lives by driving economic and social development.
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The stated that education is so vital as it promotes peace, tolerance and social inclusion, adding that it is the key to eradicating poverty.
The statement pointed out that education enables children and young people to fulfil their potential.
However, the statement read: “In many places, however, children are deprived of the right to education because of a global shortage of qualified and experienced teachers – particularly female teachers in low-income countries.
Despite an overall increase in access to education, more than 263 million children and youth worldwide are not in school. A staggering 617 million children and adolescents – nearly 60 per cent globally – have not mastered basic literacy or numeracy.
“The poorest, most marginalised children, including those living in areas affected by conflict, are most at risk of either being out of school or attending school, but learning very little.”
It pointed out that the 2030 Agenda to which the international Community has committed itself calls for universal early childhood, primary and secondary education for all.
“To achieve this goal, we must expand access to quality education for every child and youth, end discrimination at all levels in the education system and dramatically improve the quality of education and learning outcomes.”
These objectives, in turn, will require an increased global supply of qualified teachers – an estimated 69 million more.” It said.
The statement said the theme of the World Teachers’ Day 2018, reflects this reality.
“It also echoes the words of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted 70 years ago, which recognized education as a fundamental right. Today, we remind governments and the international community of the importance of safeguarding that right by investing in a strong teaching workforce, including in conflict-affected countries.
“To ensure that all children are prepared to learn and take their place in society, teachers must receive effective training and support that equip them to respond to the needs of all students, including the most marginalised.”
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