The International Day of Education, celebrated every year on January 24th, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. This day is dedicated to celebrating the role of education in fostering peace and development. It serves as a reminder of the vital importance of education in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the education sector, raise awareness of the challenges that remain, and advocate for the continued advancement of educational opportunities worldwide.
Education is a powerful tool for social transformation, as it empowers individuals, enhances life skills, and contributes to the economic development of nations. Despite the global efforts to improve access to quality education, millions of children and young people continue to face barriers such as poverty, conflict, and gender inequality that prevent them from realizing their full potential. The International Day of Education highlights these disparities and calls for collective action to address them.
This year’s theme, “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving Human Agency,” highlights the potential of technology to revolutionize the educational landscape while emphasizing the need to preserve the human elements that make learning meaningful. As we embrace innovations like artificial intelligence, it is crucial to ensure that these advancements are used to empower learners, provide equitable access to education, and safeguard the unique qualities that make education a deeply human experience.
In the context of Uganda and many other developing nations, where access to quality education remains uneven, the theme invites reflection on how AI can be used to bridge educational gaps and empower marginalized groups, particularly girls and young women. It is a reminder that while technology offers new possibilities, the core of education should always remain focused on human dignity, inclusivity, and the development of critical thinking and life skills that prepare students for the challenges of the future.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize education across the globe. From personalized learning experiences to real-time feedback, AI-driven tools can break barriers that have long hindered access to quality education. In Uganda, where many students face challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, insufficient teaching materials, and limited access to trained educators, AI presents an opportunity to bridge these gaps. By tailoring content to individual learning speeds and providing teachers with resources to enhance instruction, AI can make education more effective and inclusive.
However, with great opportunities come significant challenges. The integration of AI into education raises critical questions about equity and access. In many communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas, the digital divide remains a major obstacle. Without reliable internet, electricity, or access to technological devices, the promise of AI may remain out of reach for the very students who stand to benefit most. It is imperative that efforts to incorporate AI into education prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that no child is left behind.
As AI becomes more integrated into education systems, preserving human agency is crucial. While AI can provide valuable support, it cannot replace the unique role that teachers play in shaping not just knowledge but also values, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Education is not merely about transmitting information, it is a deeply human endeavor that fosters relationships, nurtures creativity, and builds empathy. The challenge lies in striking a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining the human touch that is essential to meaningful learning experiences.
The theme also underscores the importance of safeguarding children’s rights in the digital age. As AI systems collect and analyze vast amounts of data, protecting student privacy must remain a priority. Policies and regulations are needed to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly, with a focus on empowering learners rather than exploiting them. Collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, and technology providers is vital to creating a framework that upholds these principles.
At Joy for Children Uganda, we believe that education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for sustainable development. As we commemorate this year’s International Day of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for equitable access to quality education. We recognize the potential of AI to enhance learning outcomes and empower students, particularly those in marginalized communities. At the same time, we call for deliberate efforts to address the digital divide, protect human agency, and ensure that technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion. The International Day of Education is not just a celebration it is a call to action to build an education system that leaves no one behind.
