January 24th was the day students, educators, and allies worldwide came together to celebrate the 8^th annual International Day of Education. Since it’s official recognition by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2018, this day has been used to reflect on the goals of international basic education and the strategies implemented in pursuit of them.

On January 21, GCE-US hosted a webinar entitled “Education at a Crossroads: Global Access One Year On” in which a range of advocates recognized quality education as more than just a core tenet of sustainable communities and developed societies, but as a basic human right.

The webinar opened with remarks from Rep. Grace Meng of New York’s 6^th district. Meng, a leading advocate on the House Appropriations Committee, who spoke about the importance of making individual voices heard in Congress, claiming that such action “gives Congress a strong foundation to push back against disastrous cuts, and in future years, hopefully begin to rebuild what has been lost.” The cuts in question have impacted 163 out of 165 USAID education programs.

Rep. Johnny Olszewski of Maryland’s 2nd district followed with additional keynote remarks noting that “U.S. leadership in global education is not just the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do for our own national interests,” citing the positive economic and diplomatic implications such investments hold for the United States. As a former public-school teacher, the freshman Congressman understands many of the topics facing the world of education. Carrying with him a strong legislative record supporting students and educators, Olszewski announced he would officially join the Congressional International Basic Education Caucus in recognition of the need for these programs

.The event also featured a panel discussion that provided constructive insight into how implementing organizations and advocates have developed strategies over the past year to sustain international basic education programs.

Alisa Phillips, Senior Education Advisor with World Vision, shared that despite recent U.S. cuts to international basic education, governments worldwide are enhancing their recognition of education as a moral imperative. George Srour, joining from Kigali on behalf of Building Tomorrow, added on to this by discussing how government responsiveness to literacy and education plays out through community-engaged programs.

Lara Almeida, a youth advocate with GCE-US, further stressed the moral imperative of such programs through their application in students’ lives. For many students worldwide, schools serve as sanctuaries for shelter, food, and the resources necessary to help families break generational cycles of poverty. By advocating for basic education programs, one advocates for more than just success in the classroom, but the health, safety, and potential of students and families worldwide.

As we reflect on such topics not just on the International Day of Education, but every day, it’s important that we carry with us a sense of urgency, Almeida added, as “there’s no pause button when it comes to a child’s life.” We, at GCE-US, are grateful to all who attended, our speakers, and our representatives who will apply their belief in the United States’ crucial role within international basic education.