Innovative solutions transform education; not just for the fortunate few, but for every child, everywhere

Reflections from the Transforming Education Pre-Summit in Paris

Authored by Credo Gansou, Youth Leader and Social Innovator

Young people are demanding action, they want innovative solutions that will revolutionize education for every child everywhere. They are calling for change, and to be a part of the process. Not just in words, but in deed.? This was the clear and recurring message at the youth-led Global Day of Engagement at the Transforming Education Pre-Summit in Paris.???

I joined UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, Dr. David Sengeh, Minister of Education & Chief Innovation Officer of Sierra Leone, and other young social innovators in an intergenerational dialogue called The Right to Be Heard and Considered: Positioning Young People at the Center of Transforming Education.

"Surrounded by impressive young social activists leading change in the global learning crisis. Each one with a clear message: transforming education requires innovative solutions." - UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell

During our conversation, we touched on various factors in the learning crisis: climate change, mental health, opportunities for participation, the implications of the learning crisis for the most vulnerable groups, and the importance of making institutions accountable to young people.?

I had the privilege to be the youth voice on climate change at this session where I made the case that climate change disrupts education, but education can also disrupt climate change. Children are not powerless; they are all changemakers. I strongly believe education is the key to unlocking the skills, mindsets, and experiences young people need to be problem solvers and social innovators to deal with global issues affecting our lives. Equitable access to social innovation skills is integral to transforming education. ??

A year ago, I had access to UNICEF’s UPSHIFT social innovation programme. It equipped me to deliver social impact in my community. Today, I coordinate local reforestation and climate education in Benin.???

Access to quality education should be equitable. This includes starting with quality foundational learning and leading up to equitable and inclusive access to social innovation programmes that combine the passion of young people with the skills and experiences they need to change the world.?

The climate crisis and COVID -19 are reminders that the world is changing rapidly; and, while basic numeracy and literacy are necessary, they are not sufficient for success in the world as we know it. Education must evolve very fast to deliver the 21st century skills young people need. Governments must urgently deploy social innovation learning programmes like UPSHIFT within mainstream education systems; doing so will create a multiplying effect of social impact and positive change through young problem solvers.?

Young people from around the world will sign a declaration calling for real youth engagement. This declaration will a symbol of solidarity in the demand for the quality learning experiences young people need and to be part of the process of transforming education. ?

As the world looks to address the learning crisis, young people themselves are key players in designing and developing innovative solutions. Governments should be enablers in helping them fulfill their potential to build future generations.??

Crédo Luc Gansou is a 24-year-old project manager and activist for climate justice and environmental protection in West Africa. He is the current executive director of the NGO Pauly Afrique Bio, which works for the restoration of ecosystems and the advent of ecological transition. He wass the Representative of Benin at "Youth4Climate" and at Pre-Cop 26 in Italy last September and was the facilitator of the group of young delegates who worked on the theme "Nature Based on Solutions" in Milan. He is also the initiator of the Educlimate program, which brings education on climate issues to children and youth in communities in Benin. He is currently working for UNICEF on youth mobilization and climate change issues.?