On 16 November, Action Education participated in a thematic day on the development of education for a sustainable future in the world, organised by the Swiss Network Education and International Cooperation (RECI), of which our association has been a member since 2006.

The RECI 2022 Theme Day aims to provide a space for mutual learning, participatory exchange and the development of new ideas on the current and future state of teacher education for sustainable development and global citizenship education. The RECI welcomed contributions from representatives of IBE (International Bureau of Education) of UNESCO, the SDC (Directorate for Development and Cooperation), theHUMA (Institute for Humanities in Africa), several of its members and many other partners.

Access to education a necessity for sustainable development

In 2015, more than 193 heads of state committed themselves to achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 15 years. The SDGs aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, provide access to quality education for all children and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. However, seven years have passed since the adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

MDG 4 focuses on access to quality education for all. In this context, MDG 4.7, which calls for a "significant increase in the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation in teacher education in developing countries, particularly least developed countries and small island developing States", was at the heart of the day's discussions.

Digital education as a route to inclusion 

Action Education participated in two workshops, one of which focused on the importance and challenges of digital education. During the exchange with the participants, we shared our experiences in the field, in particular by talking about our project in Laos.

Indeed, since 2019, Action Education has been running a project that aims to improve the learning outcomes of ethnic minority and marginalised children. The project also aims to promote the quality of early literacy and numeracy education, using information and communication technologies (ICT) such as tablets, smartphones, computers and projectors. To this end, we have developed a learning application in Lao language and mathematics - available on the Google Play Store - now in place in 30 schools. We also trained ICT teachers, parents and community members in child rights and development and learning, and organised play-based learning activities in 29 villages.

Action Education warmly thanks RECI for organising this event!