he transformation of education systems around the world is moving at a disappointingly slow pace. The decreasing budgets for education are not only alarming but also shortsighted. Despite the promises made during UNESCO’s 2022 Transforming Education Summit (TES), the actual progress has been minimal. Teachers' salaries remain at an all–time low, severely undermining the motivation to become or stay a teacher.
There have been some bright spots, though, that offer hope and guidance. One notable success from the summit is the establishment of the International Financing Facility for Education (IFFEd). This initiative has the potential to mobilize up to $10 billion in funding for lower–middle–income countries over the next few years. Such financial support is crucial for bridging the education funding gap and can help ensure that more children in these regions receive quality education. However, the challenge remains in translating these commitments into effective policies and making sure the funds reach the most disadvantaged students and schools.
Another significant achievement is the Global Youth Initiative, which unites various youth and student networks to support the recommendations of the Youth Declaration. By involving young people directly in shaping educational policies, this initiative ensures that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. Engaging youth in this manner not only empowers the next generation but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability towards the education system.
Despite these successes, several painful sticking points need urgent attention. A persistent issue is the severe inequality in global education spending. High–income countries spend about $8,000 per student each year, compared to just $50 in low–income countries. This disparity is further exacerbated by national inequalities, where marginalized communities often receive the least funding. To address this imbalance, both national governments and international donors must prioritize equitable funding and resource allocation.
Furthermore, the envisioned future of education, which includes digital and inclusive classrooms, remains distant for many. While nearly 90% of national commitments emphasize digital learning, significant barriers such as connectivity and digital literacy still exist. For many students and teachers in low income areas, the digital revolution is out of reach due to the lack of basic digital infrastructure and access to technology.
The slow progress in transforming education, coupled with decreasing budgets and inadequate teacher pay, paints a grim picture. Without substantial and fair investment, and a clear vision for the future of education, the goals set by TES will remain unfulfilled promises. The international community must act decisively to address these issues, ensuring that education systems worldwide can provide quality, inclusive, and future ready education for all.
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Finance shortfalls, digital divide hinder education transformation
Photo by Philippe Bout on Unsplash.
June 26, 2024
Despite some successes, the goals set by UNESCO's 2022 Transforming Education Summit will remain unfulfilled promises without substantial investment and a clear vision, writes Aida Ridanovic.
T
he transformation of education systems around the world is moving at a disappointingly slow pace. The decreasing budgets for education are not only alarming but also shortsighted. Despite the promises made during UNESCO’s 2022 Transforming Education Summit (TES), the actual progress has been minimal. Teachers' salaries remain at an all–time low, severely undermining the motivation to become or stay a teacher.
There have been some bright spots, though, that offer hope and guidance. One notable success from the summit is the establishment of the International Financing Facility for Education (IFFEd). This initiative has the potential to mobilize up to $10 billion in funding for lower–middle–income countries over the next few years. Such financial support is crucial for bridging the education funding gap and can help ensure that more children in these regions receive quality education. However, the challenge remains in translating these commitments into effective policies and making sure the funds reach the most disadvantaged students and schools.
Another significant achievement is the Global Youth Initiative, which unites various youth and student networks to support the recommendations of the Youth Declaration. By involving young people directly in shaping educational policies, this initiative ensures that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. Engaging youth in this manner not only empowers the next generation but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability towards the education system.
Despite these successes, several painful sticking points need urgent attention. A persistent issue is the severe inequality in global education spending. High–income countries spend about $8,000 per student each year, compared to just $50 in low–income countries. This disparity is further exacerbated by national inequalities, where marginalized communities often receive the least funding. To address this imbalance, both national governments and international donors must prioritize equitable funding and resource allocation.
Furthermore, the envisioned future of education, which includes digital and inclusive classrooms, remains distant for many. While nearly 90% of national commitments emphasize digital learning, significant barriers such as connectivity and digital literacy still exist. For many students and teachers in low income areas, the digital revolution is out of reach due to the lack of basic digital infrastructure and access to technology.
The slow progress in transforming education, coupled with decreasing budgets and inadequate teacher pay, paints a grim picture. Without substantial and fair investment, and a clear vision for the future of education, the goals set by TES will remain unfulfilled promises. The international community must act decisively to address these issues, ensuring that education systems worldwide can provide quality, inclusive, and future ready education for all.
