The International Day of Education has a pretty brief history, solidifying its place on the calendar only four years ago, but discussion around the importance of education on a global scale has been ongoing for much, MUCH longer. In 2015, with the creation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 4 put the spotlight on education, outlining the goal to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.

“Education is the single most influential aspect that can completely change an individual’s life”

Speaker Keishia Thorpe during UNESCO International Day of Education Event January 2022

Quality education is the catalyst for so many opportunities, especially in developing nations. In Mozambique, where only 47% of the population is literate, school is where learning Portuguese and English becomes possible, where critical skills are developed, setting individuals up for long-term success.

Here are 9 fast facts worth thinking about in observance of International Day of Education: 

1. The International Day of Education solidified its place on the calendar four years ago – and this year’s theme is “Changing Course, Transforming Education”
2. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030
3. 258 million children and youth do not attend school worldwide; in Mozambique, there are about 1.2 million kids not currently enrolled in school
4. Only 5% of children have access to early childhood development in Mozambique, but children who did attend preschool in Mozambique had a 12.1 percentage point gain in cognitive skills and improved emotional maturity
5. Sharing Hope Preschool has provided 650+ students with a quality educational foundation
6. Only 28% of women are literate in Mozambique, with men over double the percentage at 60% literacy; overall, 47% of the population is literate
7. The National System of Education was the first system designed by Mozambicans after gaining their independence, introduced in 1983
8. Mozambican children who attended preschool experienced gains in cognitive development, communication, fine motor skills, and socio-emotional skills, scoring 0.33 standard deviations higher on a child development screening test
9. 15 African countries have literacy rates at or above 80% (Seychelles, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Namibia, Mauritius, Cote de Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Zambia, Gabon, Kenya, Congo, Rep.)

Sharing Hope Africa is excited to celebrate International Day of Education this year and proud to work in alignment with SDG 4, specifically Target 4.2 (by 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education). Join us throughout the week to learn a bit more about the impact of education within rural communities in Southern Africa – and if you are curious to learn more or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team via Instagram or Facebook!

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What are you doing to invest in education?

If you’re ready to create a positive impact, consider sponsoring a kiddo in Licilo, Mozambique to attend Sharing Hope Preschool this year. One sponsorship is $25 / month – and your contribution provides them with a quality education, nutritious meals each school day, and access to any medical attention necessary.