BUT: UNESCO’s International Day Of Education
Bermuda marks UNESCO’s International Day of Education, with the Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT] highlighting this year’s theme, “The power of youth in co-creating education.”
A spokesperson said, “Today is UNESCO’s International Day of Education. The Bermuda Union of Teachers finds it timely that, “The power of youth in co-creating education” was selected as this year’s theme.
“UNESCO Director General Khaled El-Enany’s message strongly affirms the hard work of our teachers involved in transformation teams over the last several years, as they intentionally looked to our young people to understand their desires – and sought authentic feedback via prototyping sessions on school features that would prepare them for the future.”
“Education systems are more effective when designed in collaboration with the people they are intended to serve,” he said.
The spokesperson said, “We commend our members who have served on the transformation teams at Purvis, Francis Patton, Cedarbridge Academy, Berkeley Institute, Elliot, Harrington Sound, and Sandys Secondary Middle School. You spent endless hours consulting and collaborating with, not only the young people who attended your schools, but also other students across the system – garnering volumes of rich, constructive feedback in the process.”
Director General El-Enany shares, “…education can no longer be conceived of without young people’s input; it can no longer ignore the voices of those it is intended to benefit. Young people must be included in the construction of education.”
The spokesperson said, “We see you, Francis Patton. Your students are standing up with agency because they know they have a voice – and are demanding to have a choice in their future! This is no happenstance. It is a direct product of the culture, community and environment that has been developed on your campus.
“To every one of our members: International Day of Education reminds us of not just the importance of, but the fundamental urgency in, the job of preparing our students for a future that is rapidly evolving – a job we embrace with open arms each and every day.”
