Education for a technologically evolving world
In a world where technology is changing rapidly, we need to teach every child to become an independent thinker, giving them the tools and knowledge to navigate an evolving technological landscape. In 2025, the focus for the International Day of Education is the power that education has to “equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement”1https://www.unesco.org/en/days/education.
Learning how to use technology
For almost all of the poor children who arrive into our schools, access to technology has been non-existent. They have received little early education and learnt no skills with which to navigate a technologically driven society. A big part of their education with us, once they are equipped with the fundamental basics like reading, writing, and numeracy, is to give them the quality education they need to use technology responsibly and effectively.
Responsible use of technology helps them learn and empowers them to find good employment when they finish school. It keeps them up to date with a developing world, as technology advances. This helps them enter the working world with up-to-date skills and knowledge to give them the best possible start to their employment.
Quality Education as a route out of poverty
Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. It is the catalyst to a better future for our children and we take this responsibility seriously, equipping our boys and girls with an education that prepares them for life and employment after school. This includes education in a range of new technologies, as well as the skills to use technology well to empower themselves and others.
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, 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”2https://www.un.org/en/observances/education-day by 2030.
Quality education is the cornerstone of our work and the education programmes of the Sisters of Mary. It is the key to ending poverty for good and the best hope children have to live an independent life, free from poverty.