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April18–24

Global Campaign for Education Action Week – April 18-24, 2025

Global Action Week for Education usually takes place all through the last week in April of every year and usually involves discussions around making formal education more accessible globally. This year is it observed from April 18 to 24. It is a global campaign led by UNESCO and top N.G.O.s dedicated to the prioritization of formal education in all the countries of the world where it is yet to reach. The primary goal of this event is the promotion of the global S.D.G. 4 which is to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” To observe this day, take action for your education by visiting Scholaroo, where you can find information on global scholarships to help secure funds for your better future.

History of Global Campaign for Education Action Week

Education began in prehistoric times, as the young were trained by the older ones in the knowledge and skills required for their survival. In some civilizations before the advent of literature, this knowledge was passed orally and through imitation. Story-telling was also a means of passing down knowledge, values, and skills from one generation to the next. With the advancement and evolution of cultures and knowledge, came the development of formal education.

Formal education comprises teaching students in a specific, and organized manner in a structured environment specially designed for this kind of learning. Formal education usually takes place in a school environment where students sit together in assigned classrooms to learn with a trained, certified teacher. Most school systems are designed according to set values and educational standards for each environment, and this results in things like a curriculum, student-teacher interactions, methods of assessment, class size, educational activities, and other activities relevant to developing students in an educational capacity.

In 1997, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — UNESCO — created the International Standard Classification of Education (I.S.C.E.D.) to serve the purpose of comparing education systems. The most recent version of the I.S.C.E.D. — created in 2011 — has nine levels and has also extended the lowest level (I.S.C.E.D. 0) to cover a sub-category of early childhood educational development programs.

Global Campaign for Education Action Week timeline

859 A.D.
First University

The oldest university in the world, the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, is established.

1945
UNESCO is Established

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is established in London.

1997
The I.S.C.E.D. is Created

The International Standard Classification of Education is established by UNESCO.

1999
“The Global Campaign for Education” Is Established

The Global Campaign for Education is established in 1999 as a partnership between educational N.G.O.s.

Global Campaign for Education Action Week FAQs

What is informal education?

Informal education is a broad phrase for education that takes place outside of a structured curriculum. Informal education includes, but is not limited to, student interests within a curriculum in a regular classroom context. It operates through communication, as well as the discovery and expansion of experience.

Why is education the key to success?

The ultimate key to success is self-belief, which can help you realize your full potential. Education leads you down the path of self-discovery, which leads to self-belief, gives meaning to your life, and equips you with the tools to achieve long-term success.

What is the oldest school in the world?

The oldest high school in the world is the Shishi High School, based in Chengdu, China. It has been in existence since 143 B.C.

How to Observe Global Campaign for Education Action Week

  1. Donate to an education trust fund

    There are several trust funds and foundations specifically set up to avail formal education to those who are otherwise unable to get one on their own. A good way to celebrate this week is to donate to one of these.

  2. Enroll at a school

    It’s never a bad idea to enroll at a college even if it’s for a single semester just to learn something you haven’t learned before. No knowledge acquired is ever lost.

  3. Join the conversation on social media

    It’s going to be a whole week of social media and mainstream information media buzzing with activities from the Global Campaign for Education Action Week, so whichever activity you’ll be participating in, be sure to share on social media with the #GlobalCampaignForEducationActionWeek hashtag.

5 Interesting Facts About Education

  1. High illiteracy among women

    There is a globally high rate of illiteracy among women with about two-thirds of the global population of illiterate people being women.

  2. Education in rural areas

    Education in rural areas is almost non-existent.

  3. Girls are less likely to begin school

    In several countries of the world —particularly in some parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East — it is believed that girls do not have to go to school.

  4. High dropout rates in Africa and Asia

    In Sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia, millions of children drop out of school before they even complete their primary school education.

  5. Value of education in low-income countries

    In low-income countries, getting an education guarantees earning a living that is several times higher than not getting an education.

Why Global Campaign for Education Action Week is Important

  1. It is certified and organized

    As opposed to unorganized, random learning, formal education occurs in organized structures. Courses are certified after every major stage.

  2. Education is powerful

    Having an education is empowering for people who are privileged to have an education. In many parts of the world, education is an economic advantage.

  3. Education gives exposure

    Having an education gives a lot more exposure than having none. The structure, organization, and experiences of having a formal education, tend to give a wide exposure that goes beyond just the education.

Global Campaign for Education Action Week dates

Year Date Day
2025 April 18 Friday
2026 April 18 Saturday
2027 April 18 Sunday
2028 April 18 Tuesday
2029 April 18 Wednesday