International Day of Education 2026: Education as a Human Right

International Day of Education 2026: Learning That Works for Every Child

On 24 January, the world marks International Day of Education, a day proclaimed by UNESCO to celebrate education as a human right, a public good and a shared responsibility.

It is a timely reminder that education is not one size fits all. For many children and young people, learning only becomes possible when the right support is in place and their individual needs are understood.

“Education is the key to unlocking the world,

a passport to freedom.” - Oprah Winfrey

Why this day matters

International Day of Education shines a light on the role of education in creating opportunity, improving wellbeing and supporting long term outcomes for individuals and communities. UNESCO highlights that the right to education is fundamental and should be inclusive and equitable for all learners.

A specialist perspective

For children and young people with special educational needs and medical or mental health needs, education can look different. Learning may need to be flexible. Progress may need to be carefully paced. Support may need to be built around wellbeing and readiness to engage.

In specialist settings, the foundations for learning are often the conditions around it: safety, relationships, consistency and trust.

What helps learning thrive

At The Goldfinch Trust, we focus on approaches that help young people feel safe, supported and able to reconnect with learning:

• Wellbeing in every classroom
• Trauma informed teaching
• Safe and supportive spaces
• Collaboration with families and clinicians

When pupils feel understood and supported, learning can thrive again, and education becomes a pathway back into confidence, progress and future possibilities.

A shared effort

International Day of Education is also a reminder that education works best when it is a shared effort. Families, schools, health services and local partners each play a role in creating the conditions for children and young people to succeed.

Today, we recognise and celebrate education in all its forms, and the collective commitment it takes to ensure every child has the chance to learn, grow and progress.