Celebrated on January 24th, UNESCO’s International Day of Education highlights education’s vital role in promoting global peace and sustainable development. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, the day emphasizes education as a fundamental human right that can break poverty cycles and promote gender equality. It calls for global action to tackle educational challenges and ensure lifelong learning opportunities for all.

 

Each year focuses on a different theme, bringing together educators, policymakers, and learners to celebrate achievements and share best practices. The theme for 2025 is “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.”

 

 

Meanwhile, In the Philippines:

 

Celebrating this day draws attention to issues like access disparity and dropout rates (currently 29.4%), reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive, quality education. This aligns with the Philippines’ national goals to improve literacy, teacher training, and technological integration, which are essential for economic growth and social progress.

 

Since 2000, significant reforms like the K to 12 program have transformed the Philippine education system. Key changes include:

• Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE): For Grades 1 to 3, using students’ first language to enhance comprehension.
• Values Education: Emphasizing character building and moral development.
• Specialized Subjects in Senior High School: Offering tracks in Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports, and Arts and Design.
• Contemporary Issues: Encouraging critical thinking on current events.

 

These additions align with global standards and better prepare students for higher education and employment.

 

 

10 School Subjects We Wish Were Taught In the Philippines:

Integrating these subjects could profoundly impact Filipino society, equipping future generations to tackle contemporary challenges:

 

1. Financial Literacy and Personal Finance

• Individuals with financial literacy skills are likelier to make informed decisions, leading to increased savings and reduced debt. Personal finance knowledge can increase economic independence and confidence in financial decisions.

 

2. Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

• Educated citizens on digital rights and privacy can protect themselves from cyber threats and personal data misuse. Awareness of libelous content sharing and cyberbullying prevention contributes to healthier online interactions.

 

3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Encouraging critical thinking results in more innovative approaches to societal issues and challenges. Logical reasoning and creative thinking prepare individuals to navigate complex problems effectively.

 

4. Environmental Education and Sustainability

• Being informed about ecological and climate change encourages responsibility toward nature and promotes sustainability. Educated individuals can make informed choices to reduce environmental impact.

 

5. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Nurturing entrepreneurial skills can create new businesses and jobs, boosting economic growth significantly with the rise of online selling. Encouraging innovation can lead to technological advancements and improved quality of life.

 

6. Global Awareness and Cultural Sensitivity

• Understanding and respecting diverse cultures fosters empathy and reduces prejudices, promoting social harmony. Awareness of global issues encourages people to collaborate internationally to tackle solutions.

 

7. Mental Health and Wellness

• Promoting mental health awareness helps normalize discussions around mental well-being. Stress management techniques and emotional intelligence contribute to overall life satisfaction.

 

8. New Media Literacy

• Skills in analyzing new media content help individuals discern credible information from misinformation. Recognizing bias leads to a more critically engaged and informed populace.

 

9. Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility

• Education in civic duties encourages citizens to engage actively in their communities and political spheres. A focus on social responsibility fosters advocacy for equality and ethical practices in the country.

 

10. Coding and Computational Thinking

• Basic programming skills prepare students for careers in technology and related fields. Computational thinking enhances logical problem-solving, which is applicable across various disciplines.

 

Other Interesting School Subjects:

• Philippine Mythology and Folklore
• Innovative Technology and Robotics
• Creative Arts and Design
• Culinary Arts and Nutrition
• Relationships Management
• Sex and Gender Education
• Media and Film Studies
• Pet Care and Zoology
• Skin Care and Hygiene
• Self-Defense and Self-Discipline
• Outdoor Education and Adventure Sports

 

 

RareJob Educators:

 

By fostering a culture of curiosity and consistent improvement, we can build resilient and innovative communities capable of navigating the complexities of our ever-changing world.  Whether through online courses, mentorship, community workshops, reading, or self-directed projects, let’s remember that continuous learning outside school enriches our understanding and skills beyond the ordinary classroom.

 

Kudos to you, RareJob Tutors! We hope you’re inspired as an online educator who contributes to many students’ lifelong journeys of world discovery and growth and that you are reminded how you are powerfully transforming little lives by teaching one ESL lesson at a time!

 

More References:

• Philippines literacy rate: https://tinyurl.com/r3zptvmb
• Philippines education curriculum: https://tinyurl.com/38ddnubv