Achieving the UN's goal of universal primary education: A personal, local, and digital application.

1. Achieving
Universal
Primary
Education
By: Rebecca Pacheco

2. Personal Resonance
The importance of education has been instilled in me from a very young age,
and it is also connected to my studies in sociology and criminal justice. As the
age old adage goes, “knowledge is power”, and “the children are our future”.
Not only is education an important tool for future success and opportunities, it
is also a tool for activism. Access to education is a right that was not always
afforded to people equally, particularly when it comes to women and people
of color; it is something that has been historically fought for across nations.
This unequal access is also largely linked to money, where children in
developing countries and impoverished communities within first world
countries are far less likely to be enrolled in school during their primary years.
Working towards achieving universal primary education is thus an important
feat for a better and more equal future.

3. How Can Your Interest Be
Applied Locally?
As limited access to primary education is strongly connected to
one’s socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity, local efforts
should focus on low income schools. With this, different
fundraising efforts would be of great value where donations can
go toward improving the educational experience and learning
environment.
● Such improvements could consist of updated classroom
technology, new and current textbooks, extra school
supplies, as well as increased after school/mentorship
programs.

4. Where Can You Make the Greatest
Contribution?
● Donate to local schools; this can be anything from
financial contributions to schools supplies.
● Volunteer for after school mentorship positions,
and/or school sponsored community events.
● Raise awareness! Get the word out about local
efforts toward improving quality and access to
primary education.

5. Applying Social Media To This Goal
One of the major benefits of social media is the ability for
platforms to be used as a medium for activism. With this, efforts
toward achieving primary education, both locally and universally,
can be shared and promoted throughout these online
communities. This will enable raised awareness and increased
public interest, afford people greater access to volunteer and
donation opportunities, and can act as a networking opportunity
for those involved in reform efforts.