School in Hagadera camp, Daadab, Garissa County, Kenya (0° 0′ 0.39″ S – 40° 21′ 52.99″ E) © Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
These young Somali girls are off to school in the Hagadera refugee camp in Kenya, which has been there so long that some of the refugees who arrived in the 1990s now have children and grandchildren in it. Hagadera may have several schools, but class sizes are often 100+, and many don’t bother to attend because they derive such little benefit. Teacher shortages are a global problem. It is estimated that 69 million new teachers will be needed to provide a good basic education for all children and young people by 2030.
These young Somali girls are off to school in the Hagadera refugee camp in Kenya, which has been there so long that some of the refugees who arrived in the 1990s now have children and grandchildren in it. Hagadera may have several schools, but class sizes are often 100+, and many don’t bother to attend because they derive such little benefit. Teacher shortages are a global problem. It is estimated that 69 million new teachers will be needed to provide a good basic education for all children and young people by 2030.
GOAL BY 2030: ALL BOYS AND GIRLS MUST HAVE THE RIGHT TO FREE, HIGH-QUALITY SCHOOLING SO THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO READ, COUNT AND APPLY WHAT THEY LEARN.
All over the world, the vast majority of children go to school. Although nine out of ten start elementary school – more than ever before – and fewer drop out, almost 60% lack adequate literacy and numeracy skills when they leave school. The very existence of schools is undoubtedly a huge step forward, but in many parts of the world, teacher shortages and poor conditions – too hot, too cold, no books, no room – prevent children from concentrating properly. To compound matters, some 66 million children go to school everyday without enough to eat.
All women and men must have equal and affordable access to technical, vocational and further education. By 2030, the vast majority of people must be well enough educated to find decent jobs or work for themselves. People with disabilities, or who are vulnerable in other ways, must be given the help and support they need to complete education and training on an equal footing with their peers.
Education tends to focus on reading, writing, arithmetic, as well as subjects like history and geography. By 2030, it must also focus on how we can all contribute to sustainable development, and to a culture based on peace, equality and global citizenship.
