FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: April 24, 2019

CONTACT: Lerato Balendran, GCE Communications Officer, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;

Global Action Week for Education – A Pivotal Moment for Education Worldwide

2019 a critical year to ensure the timely delivery of free quality education for all by 2030

GLOBAL: Since 2003, the annual flagship event for the civil society education movement advances the right to education for all. This year, the pressure is heightened. Children starting school in 2019 will complete their 12 years basic education by 2030, a global deadline set aside to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year, the GAWE focuses on key strategic areas. Namely; Equality and non-discrimination, which speaks to education as a fundamental human right that everyone must claim, irrespective of race, colour, creed or social standing. Additionally, this area addresses the growing support for Public, Private Partnerships (PPPS’s) which undermine civil society efforts and commitments made by Governments in support of free, inclusive quality public education. Transformative education calls for education curricula that empowers individuals beyond numeracy and literacy skills. The world today demands assertive citizens that play an active role in shaping the present and future of societies. Education in emergencies is a key topic that can longer be ignored by the international community. From climate change disasters to political conflicts, children, teachers and schools are left to fend for themselves as they are caught in the crossfire. With an estimated 535 million children, nearly one in four, living in countries affected by conflict or disaster, this issue is critical.

GAWE events are taking place worldwide between 24th April – 1st May.

In the USA – GCE-US launched a Student & Teacher Activity Packet which allows students to share their education stories, discover the impact of emergencies on access to quality education, and to learn to be advocates for global education funding. See the pack here as well as social media resources.

In Benin, Coalition Béninoise des Organisations pour l’Education Pour Tous (CBO-EPT) will host a press conference in Cotonou to assess the degree of ownership of the SDG4 by the municipal actors and the local authorities. In addition, a round table will take place on gender equality in schools.

In Burkina Faso, Coalition Nationale pour l’Education Pour Tous du Burkina Faso (CN-EPT/BF) a national forum takes place under the theme “Emergency education in Burkina Faso: How to deal with it?” to discuss emergency education in Burkina Faso and propose solutions to adopt that ensure the rights to education for impacted children.

The Coalition Pour L’Education Pour Tous – Bafashebige in Burundi host a series of Public Awareness Sessions in collaboration with civil society, State actors, students and teachers from targeted semi-urban secondary schools. The aim is to engage the public and assess whether the fundamental human right to free and inclusive public education of quality for all is a reality.

In Nepal, public protest organised by NCE-Nepal takes place at Maitighar Mandala with at least 150 participants demanding for the Federal Education Act on time and deliver the right to education for all Nepalese children.

Follow the discussions and events on social media on #GAWE2019

Quote Sheet

“Worldwide education is in crisis. The Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) represents the education movements’ escalated commitment to hold Governments accountable to inclusive public education for all. States continue to ignore their responsibilities as well pressing needs of society. Education for children, youth and adults, including those with disabilities and those impacted by conflict and disasters are part of the Education 2030 Agenda. It is up to us, civil society, to apply every arsenal and ensure no one is left behind” Refat Sabbah, GCE President.

“GCE and the partners are proud of the impacts of the GAWE. Hundreds of campaigners worldwide are ensuring the right to education is a reality. Now more than ever, vulnerable women, children and youth rely on us to safeguard the future and promote their needs and demands at the highest level. We are shifting mindsets and calling for greater political will as well as placing the power back in the hands of the people” Samuel Dembélé, GCE Chairperson.

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Notes to the editor: The Global Campaign for Education (GCE) is a civil society movement that aims to end the global education crisis. The movement promotes and defends education as a basic human right. The Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) is a flagship event for the civil society education movement and has been running successfully since 2003.

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The Global Campaign for Education (GCE) is a civil society movement that aims to end exclusion in education. Education is a basic human right, and our mission is to make sure that governments act now to deliver the right of everyone to a free, quality, public education.