In the global arena, acknowledging education as an inherent human right, a public asset, and a collective responsibility is paramount. Consequently, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 24 as the International Day of Education, underscoring education’s pivotal role in shaping societies.
Divergent levels of education within a society can have profound effects, influencing the historical narratives of nations and altering the course of relevant countries. The impact of education is far-reaching; it can either be a catalyst for global peace or an instigator of conflicts that escalate into devastating wars. Realizing a brighter future for society necessitates a concerted emphasis on elevating educational standards.
While the government has allocated a substantial budget of K3,146.149 billion for education in the 2023-24 financial year, it is crucial to recognize that the responsibility for promoting education cannot solely be on governmental shoulders. A collective, relentless effort from all segments of society is essential to expedite the promotion of education, uplifting national standards and enhancing the lives of those within the educational sphere. Hence, everybody should contribute to the government’s responsibilities to speed up the education promotion plan.
Pursuing “Learning for Lasting Peace,” this year’s theme for the International Day of Education, underscores the imperative to promote education across all facets of society. This transformative educational process empowers learners to acquire essential knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and behaviours, positioning them as agents of peace within their communities.
Amidst the backdrop of escalating climate change, democratic erosion, persistent inequalities, discrimination, hate speech, violence, and global conflicts, education emerges as a powerful tool to both address and prevent these challenges. It is not merely an investment but a long-term commitment with cumulative returns over time.
Education serves as a lifeline for children, offering a means to escape poverty and chart a course toward a promising future. Yet, a staggering 244 million children and adolescents worldwide find themselves deprived of this fundamental right. In Myanmar, the 2019 interim census revealed that out of a population of 46.46 million over five years, only 290,000 individuals had completed vocational education, and 300,000 had graduated from universities. Alarmingly, just half of the 22.9 million people above 15 had completed middle school education. These educational statistics underscore the urgent need to intensify efforts in promoting education universally, emphasizing the imperative to produce a more educated citizenry capable of guiding future generations.
While the government has allocated a substantial budget of K3,146.149 billion for education in the 2023-24 financial year, it is crucial to recognize that the responsibility for promoting education cannot solely be on governmental shoulders. A collective, relentless effort from all segments of society is essential to expedite the promotion of education, uplifting national standards and enhancing the lives of those within the educational sphere. Hence, everybody should contribute to the government’s responsibilities to speed up the education promotion plan.
