International Youth Day
Today is International Youth Day! Every year on 12th August, the UN celebrates the experiences and voices of young people.
August 12th was first designated by the UN General Assembly in 1999 and serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the youth of the world.
There are currently 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the world. This is the largest youth population ever. However, more than half of all children and adolescents aged 6-14 lack basic reading and maths skills.
Inclusive and accessible education is crucial to achieving sustainable development and can play a role in the prevention of conflict. Education is a development multiplier as it plays a pivotal role in accelerating progress across all 17 SDGs including poverty eradication, reduced inequalities, and gender inequality. For perspective, take into consideration the following statistics: 10% of people have completed upper secondary education in low-income countries, 40% of the global population is not taught the language they speak or fully understand, and 75% of secondary school age refugees are out of school (UN). More vulnerable groups like young indigenous people, young women, and young people with disabilities are facing additional challenges regarding access to education that acknowledges their diverse needs and abilities.
DROP4DROP introduces clean water to communities so young people can spend less time collecting water from distant, unsafe sources, and instead can spend more time in education. In order to eradicate poverty and reach the Sustainable Development Goals, access to clean water and innovations is integral to reduce water-borne diseases and allow young people to attend school and access the human right of quality education!