Education is more than textbooks and tests, rather, it’s about unlocking potential, shaping futures, and making the world a better, safer place for everyone. As we celebrate this year’s International Day of Education (IDE), it’s the perfect time to reflect on how learning continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world.
This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” is so relevant in this age and time as AI is revolutionizing the way we learn, making education more accessible, personalized, and efficient. But here’s the big question: Are we using AI to empower students, or are we becoming too dependent on it?
Thinking about it, will creativity still thrive in a world where AI can generate ideas in seconds? Will classrooms still matter when so much can be learned online? These are questions worth asking as we explore the almost faded divide between innovation and the human touch that makes learning truly meaningful.
At The Sapphires Development Initiative (TSDI), we believe in the power of technology; but not at the cost of losing our human spark. Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to create educational programs that embrace technology while keeping people at the heart of it all. And now, to take things further, we have launched an essay competition across 40 community secondary schools in Ibadan and Ogun states. This initiative aims to inspire young minds to think critically, explore their creativity, learn how to harness technology, and further support their education.
Meanwhile, as we yet celebrate, let us inspire a generation that sees AI as an ally, a tool for amplifying ideas rather than overshadowing them. This piece is to also serve as a reminder that while AI can assist us, it cannot replace the unique perspectives and emotions that each individual brings to their work. Emphasizing this stance must therefore be cultivated as we foster environments where students can harness AI tools while cultivating their own voices. We need to commit to preserving human agency within our educational frameworks, ensuring that every student feels empowered to shape their own narrative and create a future where they can thrive alongside technology.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION
Beautifully written and so inspiring! The essay competition is a brilliant way to highlight how students view the future of education. Thank you, TSDI, for being at the forefront of this conversation.
Yes!! Thank you so much TSDI for this insight. Happy International Day of Education.