Today and in History

Today, April 19, is National Education and Sharing Day. A day established to celebrate our nation’s commitment to education and remind us to encourage youth in their studies. First inaugurated in April 1978, by President Jimmy Carter and annually proclaimed by each presiding President.

The day honors Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who promoted education as the “cornerstone of humanity.” He believed that “as long as there is still one child that does not receive an adequate education, we can neither be satisfied nor slacken our efforts.” The Rabbi established an organization for women during a time when female education was not as valued as men’s.

In the Presidential Proclamation on National Education and Sharing Day last year, President Barack Obama stated, “Our young people are the problem-solvers, thinkers, and visionaries of tomorrow who will change the world as we know it, and they deserve the chance to fulfill their enormous promise, no matter who they are or where they live.”

The proclamation went on to state, “we recognize educators, pioneers of change, and all those who have unlocked the spark of something extraordinary within a child, and we rededicate ourselves to building a world where the destiny of every young person is limited only by the size of their dreams and the power of their imagination.”

A good education is a stepping stone for youth today, and should be within reach to anyone who wishes to learn and grow. So use this day to work toward achieving education for all. The day is a call of action to increase the number of girls in schools around the world, and empower children to reach their full potential.

Today, people around the world fight for equality in education – a system that empowers both boys and girls, giving them the proper tools to succeed and thrive.

In honor of the day, get to know two inspiring females who have continued to fight for their education, and the education of all females, while living under the Taliban regime.

Two Women Who Risked Their Lives to Help Girls Receive an Education

Malala Yousafzai, featured in our upcoming book, LeadershipYOU, is an outstanding advocate for female education. Raised under the Taliban regime, this young Pakistani girl has been a spokesperson for female education since the age of eleven. In her book, I am Malala: The Story of the Girl who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban, Yousafzai wrote “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.”

Shabana Basij-Rasikh attended school in secret with other girls in Taliban ruled Afghanistan for six years. In her TED talk (see below), Basij-Rsikh explained how her parents prized education and worked tirelessly to make sure she had the opportunity to go to school. After graduating from college, Basij-Rasikh is now a global ambassador for Ten Times Ten, a global campaign to educate women. She also founded SOLA, the first boarding school for girls in Afghanistan, “a country where it is still risky for girls to go to school.”

Tools for Teachers

If you are a teacher, in the United States or elsewhere, your job can be a tough one. You are asked to manage behavior, keep up with core content standards, AIMs testing and more, while fulfilling the original reason you started teaching- to help your students become passionate about their education. We’ve put together some teaching hacks to make your day-t0-day life easier by setting up your classroom for success, so you can focus on doing your job.

Having trouble engaging your classroom? Check out these tried and true classroom management tips. These tips will help you fall in love with your students and teaching by helping you get your classroom in order.

How will you celebrate National Sharing and Education Day? Comment below and share with friends and students!