International Students’ Day, celebrated on 17th November, has long been associated with student activism against human rights’ violations. This year we, a group of students and recent graduates, feel compelled to draw attention to the perilous position of the right to education worldwide – with public education underfunded and privatisation on the rise. These are our stories and our call to action.
As young people, we acutely feel that our world stands on the brink – with polarisation and conflicts spreading, misinformation abounding and an impending climate crisis. Now, more than ever, we need a well-informed and active citizenry, able to tackle humanity’s collective challenges.
Yet, we are hopeful, as we see movements that are emerging voicing our same concerns. It was reassuring to join a global movement of civil society organisations, students, parents, teachers, academics and human rights advocates collectively advocating for well-funded, quality, public education. We are part of a group who united around a vision of a future where everyone can attend a free, inclusive, good quality public school.
Both individuals and organisations can join our movement by signing our Reclaiming Public Education statement, and amplifying similar causes, including Education International’s Go Public! Fund Education campaign and the global tax justice movement. We call on everyone to act now for us to collectively work towards sustainable, just and peaceful societies for all.
The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect any official policies or positions of Education International.
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