A World at School’s 10 best-read news stories in 2015
2015 has been a momentous year for global education. A World at School has been there to plot the highs and lows in the struggle to ensure every child in every country receives a quality education.
Our big campaigns – including the #UpForSchool Petition that gathered an incredible 10 million signatures – have been clicked on by huge numbers of people.
But as well as our petitions, our reports, our resources and our data tools, A World at School is also a news hub for coverage of the issues that prevent children going to school and the success stories. Sometimes we tell those through lists or picture-led articles.
Here are our 10 best-read news articles during 2015 – click on the blue headlines to read the full stories.
10
Laura Carmichael’s most inspirational teacher
The star of British TV drama series Downton Abbey told us about the teacher who made her look at the world in a different way. Laura later went on a trip with A World at School to see Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
9
We asked people to stand up for the next generation of women by posting their school picture on social media and signing the #UpForSchool Petition. Many celebrities responded to the call, including actor Kim Cattrall (pictured above).
8
Tragedy that led to Day of the African Child
An article from 2014 that was still being widely read this year. It told how a peaceful march in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976 ended in the killing of a teenage boy and scores of others by police – leading ultimately to June 16 being declared Day of the African Child.
7
What every child should know about child labour
To mark World Day against Child Labour in June, we produced a simple guide on the subject that could be shared with children.
6
Tributes to Peshawar attack teachers
Nine staff members were killed along with 132 students during the attack on the Army Public School in December 2014 – and many gave their lives trying to save their pupils. Tributes to their courage and sacrifice were still being read well into 2015.
5
16 facts about Day of the African Child
Held on June 16, we told you 16 things about this annual event and why children’s rights in Africa are so vital.
4
Film features incredible journeys to school
Our article on the documentary film On The Way To School, which tells the stories of four children who know that education is the pathway to a brighter future.
3
Nepal earthquake destroys schools
In the aftermath of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, we looked at the effect on education, with the United Nations reporting that 16,000 schools were destroyed or damaged.
2
From Pakistani slum to Harvard
The inspiring story of Anum Fatima, who attended a school run by the Citizens Foundation which teaches underprivileged children. It was liked almost 9000 times on Facebook.
1
10 reasons why children don’t go to school
We published this article in 2014 – but it still proved hugely popular this year, making it A World at School’s best-read news story of 2015.
Keep up to date with global education issues in our News channel.