TO CELEBRATE International Day of Education this year, UNICEF Philippines asked children to convey what they need to enjoy their right to education.

These letters were presented by UNICEF Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The children’s wishes were diverse, ranging from better peace and order situation in their localities for uninterrupted learning, facilities for LGBTQ+ students, learning program for children with disabilities, and school development projects in their communities. Some also shared their dreams and career aspirations.

“Children should have a say in matters that affect them. We hope that adults will continue to consult children on how they can learn better. As we tackle learning challenges, let’s empower children to participate meaningfully in their schools and communities,” Dendevnorov said.

Viah from Bagumbayan Central School in Legazpi City thanked Duterte-Carpio for taking care of teachers, saying that “happy teachers will make them efficient, effective and dedicated teachers.”

“My dream is to have more rooms and more teachers. We only have two teachers because other teachers are afraid to come here. I hope we will have peace and order so that we can continue to go to school,” Aisha from Lebbuh Primary School in Lamitan, Basilan said.

“It will greatly help if we have bond papers, art materials, printers and good internet connection so we can easily print our work sheets and test papers,” Choleen from Oranbo Elementary School in Pasig City said.

“My wish is for us to have food. I hope I can also have uniforms,” Matuy Balenton, a child belonging to the Aeta tribe studying in Dinalupihan, Bataan said.

Alhadz from Naungan Primary School in Tawi-Tawi lives far from the town and gets to school by riding a boat. “My only wish is for us to have a big boat that we can use even if it is windy and the waves are strong, so that we can get to school safely.”

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, a day to celebrate the crucial role of education for peace and development.

This year’s theme, “To invest in people, prioritize education,” builds on the global momentum spurred by the UN Transforming Education Summit participated in by the Philippines, where education stakeholders committed to act boldly and ambitiously in transforming the education system to deliver inclusive, equitable, and continuous quality education instrumental in breaking the cycle of poverty that keeps millions of children behind.