We have successfully completed Global Action Week on Education convened by the Global Campaign for Education (GCE). This year‟s Global Action Week holds special significance for us, as it focused on the crucial but neglected issue of youth and adult education and learning. Over the last few years, the mobilization during this week has increased exponentially, so this has been a very important occasion to demonstrate support for this huge concern in a united manner all over the world.
As a part of this unifying and unified event, education coalitions around the world organized „Big Read„ and other innovative events to celebrate the power of lifelong learning. In the Asia Pacific, ASPBAE members and education campaign coalition partners participated through several events:
Cambodia
More than 700 people joined the Big Read Launching Event on 25 April at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh organized by GCE Cambodia, with support from NEP (National Education Partnership). Local Big Reads also took place in eight selected provinces in Cambodia. The key message for the event was on lobbying for more resources to education.
Philippines (E-Net)
Simultaneous Big Reads were held in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao where more than 1000 people were mobilized on 22 April to call for the youth‟s right to quality and free education. In Quezon City, members of the coalition shared an eight-point agenda for policy advocacy on education before an audience of children, out of school youth and students. Local celebrities and members of local government officials and the Department of Education joined in the Big Read. A candle-lighting ceremony wrapped up the day, expressing solidarity to all the Big Readers in the Philippines.
Indonesia (E-Net for Justice)
Reading sessions and campaigns were run in different areas in Indonesia starting from 20 April to 2 May. A big mobilization was organised during the week-long campaign in Surabaya or Jakarta.
Thailand (Thai Education Watch Network)
An Education Mobile van travelled to different parts of Thailand from 23-30 April to dramatize the need to reach out to different sectors of society, especially the unreached and marginalized. Activities engaging the indigenous communities in Chang Rai and Chiang Mai and labour migrant groups in Bangkok and suburbs highlighted the week-long campaign.
Pakistan (Pakistan Coalition for Education)
Local Big Reads in 30 districts in Pakistan were organised from 20 to 29 of April. Seminars and shopping bag campaigns benefit walks, and media campaigns for education characterised the Global Action Week activities in Pakistan. ASPBAE members Education Watch Pakistan and Bunyad participated in this campaign.
Nepal (GCE Nepal)
The Big Read on 25 April brought together different politically affiliated youth groups, the Youth Minister, the Department of Education to tackle issues on youth and adult literacy.
India (National Education Coalition)
Local Big Read Books were produced and distributed to 14 states in India. A reading event led by more than 300 children, youth and adults and a big concert was held on 28 April in New Delhi. Local artists and celebrities took part in the Big Read through their music and messages of solidarity.
Bangladesh (Campaign for Popular Education)
A week-long campaign from 20 to 26 April was implemented in several areas in Bangladesh. A huge mobilization which culminated in a reading event served as a highlight of the campaign. Likewise, an education Fair scheduled on 24-25 April provided platforms to various stakeholders on education such as civil society organizations, international NGOs, and the Ministry of Education. TV Talk shows were organized on major channels. National consultations were organized with policy makers and Teachers‟ Unions.
From BIG READ to CONFINTEA 6
