Today marks the International Day of Education!

Today marks the International Day of Education!

At EFDN, we proudly support the International Day of Education. This day empahises that learning for peace must be a transformative process, enabling learners to gain essential knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and behaviors, thereby empowering them to serve as catalysts for peace in their communities. The foundation of more peaceful, just, and sustainable societies is laid through education.

In the face of escalating climate change, democratic erosion, persistent inequalities, growing discrimination, hate speech, violence, and conflict on a global scale, education emerges as a powerful tool to both address and prevent these challenges in the future. Moreover, when effectively shaped and implemented, education becomes a long-term investment with increasing returns. An active commitment to peace is more urgent today than ever: Education is central to this endeavor.

Background

Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

Education is key to sustainable development

When it adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015, the international community recognized that education is essential for the success of all 17 of its goals. Sustainable Development Goal 4, in particular, aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030.

Diversity Wins

With the Diversity Wins project we aims to promote inclusion and diversity in all areas of education, training, youth, and sports while emphasizing the importance of education through sports. The main target audience for the programme is children and young people between the ages of 10 and 16. The programme will employ an educational approach to raise awareness about racial, LGBTQ+, religious, and gender-based discrimination. It will consist of various activities such as workshops, courses, interactive sessions, and expert presentations. These sessions will be conducted in schools as well as grassroots and academy football clubs.

Alongside educating children and young people, efforts will also be made to train teachers, sports coaches, and organisational staff. They will be provided with informative and impactful sessions to deliver to children, and they will learn how to engage in discussions about complex topics, use appropriate language and terminology, reflect on their behaviours, and respond to discriminatory abuse if reported. This will be facilitated through an online training course that covers essential topics and offers information, insight, and advice. European professional football holds immense influence over the general public and, therefore, carries a distinct responsibility to promote a safe and inclusive society.