The Role of Education
A primary role of education is to equip people with theknowledge and confidence to make a difference in the transformation of society. In addition to providing students with content knowledge, education helps instill values, attitudes and behaviors that align with those expected in a society.Education prepares young people for the demands of work life and mitigates the risks of poverty. Educated people also recognize the importance of social justice andsustainability and are more apt to apply their knowledge and skills beyondtheir job roles. Increased education plays a role in a person's social mobilityand likelihood to remain in good health.
The purpose of education in today's society is to prepare students for the challenges of life in the career world. Because of the many different paths to success that exist today, different students need different outcomes from their experiences in the educational system. Rather than inculcating a set list of competencies or ideas, education must prepare students to think critically and select theopportunities that they need in order to succeed in their chosen paths. Because there are so many different careers available, the role of education is not the same for any two paths. Students who believe that a career as a mechanic is ideal for them need basics in the core areas but then need to start specializing in technical areas when they reach the later years of high school. Those who are heading for law school must plan on achieving the highest grades possible in high school followed by an undergraduate degree in the humanities, a college job in a law firm, and then a degree from law school. Those wanting to be entrepreneurs in the computer field have a more eclectic path, picking and choosing from programming and other technical course selections to find training and expertise -- not to mention connections -- in their areas of interest. Role of Education
Education should be a means to empower children and adults alike to become active participants in the transformation of their societies. Learning should also focus on the values, attitudes and behaviors which enable individuals to learn to live together in a world characterized by diversity and pluralism.
In 1960, UNESCO adopted the Convention against Discrimination in Education, which acknowledges the crucial role of education in ensuring equality of opportunity for members of all racial, national or ethnic groups. It was the very first time that a binding instrument in the United Nations system contained a detailed definition of the term DISCRIMINATION.
The Convention qualifies it as « Any distinction, exclusion, limitation or preference based on race, color, sex, language, religion or political or other opinion, national or social origin, economic condition or birth ». The Convention calls on States to adopt immediate measures in favor of equality in education and links the concept of Education directly to Human Rights. Education transforms lives and is at the heart of UNESCO’s mission to build peace, eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development.
UNESCO believes that education is a human right for all throughout life and that access must be matched by quality. The Organization is the only United Nations agency with a mandate to cover all aspects of education. It has been entrusted to lead the Global Education 2030 Agenda through Sustainable Development Goal 4. The roadmap to achieve this is the Education 2030 Framework for Action (FFA).
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UNESCO provides global and regional leadership in education, strengthens education systems worldwide and responds to contemporary global challenges through education with gender equality an underlying principle.
Its work encompasses educational development from pre-school to higher education and beyond. Themes include global citizenship and sustainable development, human rights and gender equality, health and HIV and AIDS, as well as technical and vocational skills development.
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