Education is the cornerstone of human progress. It unlocks our potential, ignites our imaginations, and fosters self-respect. Education empowers individuals to contribute to a prosperous and just society. It is a fundamental human right, and access to quality education should be guaranteed for everyone, regardless of their background.
The Targets
Everyone can play a role in achieving the Global Goals. Let us explore the ten targets designed to ensure quality education for all:
Target 4.1: Free Primary and Secondary Education: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education, leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
Target 4.2: Equal Access to Quality Pre-Primary Education: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education, preparing them for primary school.
Target 4.3: Equal Access to Affordable Technical, Vocational and Higher Education: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
Target 4.4: Increase the Number of People with Relevant Skills for Financial Success: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
Target 4.5: Eliminate All Discrimination in Education: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
Target 4.6: Universal Literacy and Numeracy: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
Target 4.7: Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. This includes education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
Target 4.A: Build and Upgrade Inclusive and Safe Schools: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability, and gender-sensitive, and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all.
Target 4.B: Expand Higher Education Scholarships for Developing Countries: By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, particularly least developed countries, small island developing states, and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering, and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries.
Target 4.C: Increase the Supply of Qualified Teachers in Developing Countries: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries, especially least developed countries and small island developing states.
How You Can Make a Difference
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- Support a Goal 4 charity: Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference! Consider supporting our chosen charity: MITSkills Fundraiser or a cause close to your heart.
- Donate used books: Share the gift of knowledge by donating your used books to those in need.
- Embrace online learning: Explore free online courses and expand your knowledge.
- Support your local schools: Volunteer your time or donate school supplies to your local school.
- Mentor young people: Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring a young person.
- Stay informed: Follow local news and stay connected with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals.
By taking these steps, we can all contribute to a world where quality education is accessible to everyone, empowering individuals and fostering a more just and equitable society.