Global Faiths Coalition is committed to Education Countdown
The #EducationCountdown campaign launched today marks 500 days until the deadline for the Millennium Development Goal of Universal Primary Education. Alongside the UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown, and A World at School’s civil society, youth ambassadors, and business partners, the Global Faiths Coalition for Education (GFC Education) is committed to honouring the goal of universal primary education through the campaign.
With 28 members representing 6 major faiths and diverse communities from around the globe, GFC Education will be a driving force within the campaign and represent the voice and action of faiths-based communities in the movement to get every child into school learning. Members will mobilise their supporters around the #EducationCountdown campaign’s focus themes in lead up to the 2015 deadline and continue to uphold the principles of the GFC Education Statement in Support of Faith and Education.
Below are some of the calls to action GFC Education has hosted since April 2014.
April
2015 Countdown Summit, Washington D.C. – The Global Faiths Coalition for Education (GFC Education) is created at the A World at School 2015 Countdown Summit in Washington, D.C. The first organisations to join the Coalition pledged their support for the movement to get every child into school and learning at a high-level meeting with A World at School Founder, Sarah Brown.
May
#BringBackOurGirls – The Coalition condemns the kidnapping of more than 270 girls in Nigeria by terrorist group Boko Haram. GFC Education members including major faith-based organisations such as Muslim Aid, the Islamic Society of North America, Arigatou International and World Evangelical Alliance, endorsed a statement against the attack on girls’ education in northern Nigeria and work towards securing the safety of education for all.
July, 3
Google Hangout on Education in Conflict and Emergencies – GFC Education held a Google Hangout session to discuss the experience of faith-based organisations working with education in emergency and conflict situations. Coalition members discussed their work and shared insights on the criticalities of delivering education in such contexts. Each organisation presented a unique perspective based upon their experience – from a local grassroots NGO working in D.R. Congo, to larger international organisations including World Vision International.
July, 21
Chibok Girls 100 Day in Captivity – GFC Education members show their support for the kidnapped girls of Chibok village with special messages of support. Pax Christi Uvira, a Coalition member from D.R. Congo was one of the many supporters from around the world who held a vigil to mark the schoolgirls’ 100th day in captivity. Other members signed an online petition by A World at School and called for the safe return of the girls through social media.
Read more about the vigil held by Pax Christi Uvira.
August
#EducationCountdown Launch – The Coalition will be making noise for education throughout the #EducationCountdown launch by taking on the day’s calls to action as outlined in the Campaign Roadmap. To Keep up with the work of GFC Education and its members, follow @GFCEducation on twitter!