If we want to meet SDG 4 by 2030, world leaders must commit to a package of reforms that could bring accessible, affordable, and quality education to every student around the world. Classrooms should be kitted out for learning, staffed with quality teachers, equipped with modern technologies, and be accessible to all students regardless of their gender. So, how can we do this? As usual, our fantastic policy and campaigns teams have got a few ideas:
1. Adjust every budget.
We need to make sure governments and international donors prioritize education in their budgets. These budgets equip schools with decent resources, great teachers, and proper learning facilities. Adequate spending on education can go a long way towards helping students achieve their hopes and dreams, particularly for students living in low-income countries or conflict-affected and fragile states.
2. Break down every barrier.
We know there are a number of barriers that prevent girls from getting a quality education. To knock those barriers down we need to understand them at a grassroots level and create action plans — so schools can provide all girls with a learning environment that promotes their engagement and success.
3. Monitor every outcome.
To better understand when, where, why and how students are missing out on an education, governments should collect, analyse and publish accurate attendance, enrolment, and dropout data, as well as data on learning outcomes. To allow us to understand and narrow gender gaps, data should be reported separately for boys and girls.
4. Invest in every teacher.
Quality teachers deliver quality educations. To make sure all classes are led by a great teacher, instructors need access to teacher training and support, adequate compensation and benefits. After all, students aren’t in school just to memorise facts – they’re also there to hone critical thinking skills, learn life lessons and adopt social skills that will carry them through their future.
Keur Simbara, Senegal (February 17, 2017)
5. Connect every classroom.
Every classroom should be connected to the internet. Teachers and students should receive the training and resources needed to navigate the online world, so all students can have the opportunity to learn no matter where they live.
