January 24, 2025

Elevating Human Agency Through Education: Marking the International Day of Education 2025

January 24, 2025

Elevating Human Agency Through Education: Marking the International Day of Education 2025

Marking the United Nations International Day of Education today, themed “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” I am reflecting on how the power of education can equip individuals and communities to navigate, comprehend, and influence the rapid pace of technological advancement, especially as AI systems grow more intricate and the boundary between human intent and machine-driven actions becomes increasingly blurred, this moment raises urgent questions, fuelled by insights and learnings from the World Economic Forum this week, about how we can protect, redefine, and elevate human agency in this dynamic era of technological evolution.

Good schools need good leaders, as leadership is pivotal for quality education and ranks as the second most significant factor influencing learning outcomes. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa applies affective human leadership at multiple levels through our WBFA midwives, nurses, and healthcare workers, on the frontlines within schools and communities, and through advocacy across governments, with a dynamic interplay of vision, practices, and external factors such as culture, governance, and social conditions shaping our approach, while also addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by AI, ensuring that technological advancements are harnessed to support inclusive and equitable learning outcomes.

The latest UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024/5, “Leadership in Education: Lead for Learning,” highlights that effective leadership must prioritise learning outcomes, inclusion, and wellbeing while remaining adaptable to the unique needs of diverse contexts. This emphasis on leadership as a driver of transformative progress aligns with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s on-the-ground programmes, such as the Adolescent Skills and Drills Personal, Social, and Health Education #PSHE curriculum. Through this programme, we empower young individuals with the knowledge and skills to become informed, responsible, and active citizens. Additionally, through our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene #WAS) WBFA Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest, we ensure that foundational hygiene practices are seamlessly integrated into the learning environment. Reaching over 179,758 students to date, this initiative makes human learning and health central to the educational experience, fostering holistic development and equipping learners to thrive.

Aligning with the global drive to transform education systems and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 by 2030, WBFA remains steadfast in its commitment to creating equitable and empowering educational spaces that uplift communities and foster sustainable development. By affirming education as both a fundamental human right and a public good, we harness its transformative power to navigate the challenges of automation and technological advancement, ensuring that human agency stays at the forefront of our shared future.

 

 

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