International Day of Education
The United Nations General Assembly observes the 24th of January each year as International Day of Education in order to emphasize the role of education in promoting peace and development. Simultaneously, in many parts of the world, education still isn’t treated as an essential public good – with broken systems, social stigma and poverty thwarting access to material and the opportunity for learning. UNESCO’s theme for 2022 is ‘Changing Course, Transforming Education’. Timely, trustworthy, and quality education can be a great equalizer – something we have witnessed in our journey with TeachAids work in disadvantaged, marginalized populations across the world.
While many countries have focused on improving infrastructure, skill enhancement and training for educators, it is time to consider the wider possibilities and opportunities for transformative education. Moreover, the responsibility of education has been largely left to those in traditional academic roles. But the past two years have demonstrated that we’re all educators in our own way. The way we consume, process and promote information plays a critical role in shaping the thoughts and behaviors of those around us – as educators, we have the potential to transform communities. Rethinking the formal boundaries of education and redefining our roles as teachers, leaders and advocates for fair and equitable learning will go a long way in creating inclusive societies and stronger nations for future generations.
Increasingly, it has become clear that attention must be paid to the interface between health and nature, food systems, policy, economics, business, advocacy and many more diverse fields as we collaborate and learn together in real-time. Health is not just about medical professionals and healthcare workers anymore. Creating healthy communities involves various disciplines.
In tackling three diverse issues such as HIV, Concussions and COVID-19 over the past few years, we’ve worked to bring in the world’s top experts in each of these areas to develop credible, research-backed resources. At TeachAids, we worked diligently to build a solid team of advisors who would bring their unique perspectives to addressing global health challenges. From tenured professors and sportspersons to experts in digital media, marketing, political affairs, technology, management, engineering and film, we’re grateful and immensely proud to have each of them on our team. Without their insights and contributions, our educational material would lack the richness and depth needed to create comprehensive and compelling education.
Given our varied backgrounds, we all have a role to play in our own spheres of influence and niche skills and experiences to tap into. Particularly in the time of COVID-19, it has become clear that we all need to join together as we embrace our roles as educators in society. This can begin with a simple conversation with a loved one, or sharing some of our easily digestible tools and materials. This year, let’s use our platforms, positions and circles of influence to improve health literacy as we work together to make the world a happier, healthier place.