What if the key to changing the world lay in the hands of a child who couldn’t access the tools to learn? What if the spark that could ignite a revolution—of ideas, of compassion, of progress—was hidden behind the doors of classrooms that remain locked? The reality for millions is that their dreams are bound not by the sky, but by the barriers that keep them from education. And it’s not just their lives that are affected—it’s the future of every one of us.

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On January 24th, we mark the International Day of Education, a day that dares to ask: what happens when we deny education to those who need it most? What happens when we withhold the power to learn, to think, and to grow? The answer is simple, and yet heartbreaking: we rob the world of its potential.

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Education is not just an opportunity—it is the foundation upon which everything else is built. It’s the reason one child can rise from the hardships of poverty to become an inventor, a doctor, a teacher, a leader. It’s the reason ideas can flourish and communities can heal. But we know that not everyone has this chance. In fact, according to UNESCO, 260 million children and youth worldwide are still out of school. This means that one in five children across the globe is missing out on the life-changing opportunity to learn.

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The importance of education goes beyond filling minds with facts—it’s about filling hearts with hope. It’s about giving people the tools to shape their futures, to contribute to the world around them, and to make their voices heard. This is why, on this day, we don’t just celebrate education—we fight for it. We advocate for those who are still waiting for that chance to learn, to dream, and to change their world.

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As Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, wisely said, “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” And yet, so many still live in a world where knowledge remains just out of reach. Education is not just about filling minds with knowledge—it is the tool that empowers individuals to shape their own lives. It breaks cycles of poverty, it builds bridges over divisions, and it empowers people to demand their rights and challenge injustice. Without it, society remains stagnant, and the future is left to chance.

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It’s easy to take education for granted. For many of us, it’s something that’s simply there—a part of life, like breathing. But for countless others, education is a distant dream. It is a privilege that far too many children and young adults never get to experience. In fact, the Global Partnership for Education estimates that an additional 12.5 million children could be out of school by 2025 due to factors like poverty, gender inequality, and conflict. And as we celebrate this day, we must ask ourselves: what can we do to change that?

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This is why International Day of Education is not just a celebration—it is a call to action. It is a reminder that the fight for education is far from over. We must keep pushing to ensure that no child, no matter their circumstances, is denied their right to learn. It’s about ensuring that every classroom is open, every book is available, and every dream is given a chance to grow.

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In the words of the late Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It’s a weapon we must all wield, not just for our own children, but for all children. The future of the world depends on it.

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So, on this International Day of Education, let us renew our commitment to the power of learning. Let us remember that when we invest in education, we invest in progress—progress that benefits us all. Because every child who learns today builds a better tomorrow for everyone.

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Let’s make sure that tomorrow is a world where no dream is left unfulfilled, where no future is locked away behind barriers, and where every child has the opportunity to change the world with the power of education.