In a statement, AFT Executive Vice President Francine Lawrence explained that during this GAW, “AFT members are joining with teachers, parents and community organisations around the globe to speak out for the more than 60 million young people who do not have access to a basic education. They represent 10 per cent of all the children in the world.

“We are raising our voices to tell the United Nations, the World Bank and our own government that we can no longer accept this. Because if we can’t convince our leaders that basic education is essential for all children, we will be accepting a world in poverty, a world in conflict and a world divided.”

She highlighted that the AFT’s GAW advocacy has been especially focused on making education a reality for all girls and young women around the world.

Promoting girls’ access to education

“Promoting girls’ education is not only the right thing to do, it’s a smart thing to do. Over half of the out-of-school children are girls,” Lawrence said.

Last Autumn, people everywhere were shocked when the Taliban tried to kill a young girl on her way to school on a bus in Pakistan, she noted.

“Later we learned that Malala Yousafzai and others had been organising an effort for girls’ education in Pakistan. The AFT stands with Malala in her courageous call for access to school for girls. When we educate all girls and women, we will change the world.”

 EI:  Welcome for AFT initiative

“We welcome initiatives taken by our affiliates, in the USA and worldwide, to promote quality education, quality teachers, and access to education for all,” said EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen.

To see AFT Executive Vice President Francine Lawrence’s video about Global Action Week, click here