‘Global Action Week' saw international attention turn towards the global education crisis. UNESCO's new research, announced a much greater than previously anticipated teacher shortfall. 18 million more teachers are needed if every child is to receive a quality education. 100 million children are still being denied the opportunity of going to school. Millions more are sitting in over-crowded classrooms for only a few hours a day. Without urgent action these children will remain in poverty and at far greater risk of HIV infection.

From 24 – 30th April, civil society, made up of child rights activists, teacher unions and NGOs showed they really care about ensuring every child gets a quality education, delivered by a quality teacher. United in their asks, across the world, in 112 countries,
millions of children and campaigners held mock court hearings, taught lessons, marched streets, painted pictures, made posters, met officials, voted for teachers and added their voice to the campaign.

These were some of the activities:

Across Benin teachers voices could be heard on the radio, and in a nationwide film that depicts the harsh reality of teaching in rural areas.

Burundi hosted a day of reflection and a national demonstration, in which students and teachers came together to lobby officials for the need to reduce class sizes, and employ more teachers.

Children in Burkina Faso presented the Minister of Education with cut-out teachers and huge crowds took part in the country's march for education.

Campaigners were active across Cameroon collecting evidence and bringing officials back to school to focus on education.

Chad had actors read children's messages on the radio, to which parents and teachers responded and presented their recommendations in the form of a Big Hearing.

Cote D'Ivoire 's Minister of Education was targeted by campaigners and as a result has committed to finalise the country's Education For All plans in the near future.

In Democratic Republic of Congo , many politicians and officials got involved. They witnessed processions, debates, football matches, songs, and displays that highlighted the needs of teachers.

Egypt 's Big Hearing, on May 7, gives voice to what children need from teachers in order to get the best education possible.

In Ethiopia retired teachers, community leaders and professors were among the people putting forward the case for teachers.

Music was a focal point in the Gambia, as rap songs and traditional dancers depicted the case for teacher to politicians who attended the national Big Hearing.

Action Week in Ghana cumulated in a Big Hearing, after evidence from teachers and international education funding had been gathered.

Kenya 's Action Week saw officials go back to school, and a national Big Hearing in a poorly resourced school in Nairobi slum area.

In Liberia officials went back to school and were lobbied by children and teachers.

Madagascar 's Action Week gathered all the key players in education who took part in the Big Hearing, and focused the government's attention on Quality Teachers.

In Malawi politicians and celebrities retuned back to school and were presented the case for teachers which demanded increases in investment in quality education and teachers. One young girl Lusubilo Nyondo, asked the Minister of Education: "Have you asked me what I need as a pupil? As you sit confidently in front of others do you think of what I need to also sit in that chair in future?"

Mali's Action Week climaxed in a huge national meeting in Bamako, bringing together parent teacher associations, school managers, teachers and administrators.

In Mauritania young people took part in concerts and a Big Hearing. They collected evidence that provided solutions to dealing with the insufficient numbers of teachers especially women. This was presented to the Head of State, Prime Minister and Minister of Education.

Morocco hosted a theatre production and a national Big Hearing where education officials talked to parents, teaches and students.

In Mozambique campaigners maintained the attention on education, following Gordon Brown's recent visit. They invited officials back to school to commit to making education for all a reality.

In Namibia Angelina Jolie, added her voice to the campaign, gaining global media attention, as she asked all countries to provide every child with a quality teacher and education.

Rwanda 's Big Hearing took place a week later in Kigali. . A colourful education bus that represents all children containing message for quality education for all, was presented to 50 politicians.

In Senegal musicians and sport stars have spoken out saying 'Every Child Needs a Teacher", and signed a declaration that has been used to lobby the members of parliament.

During Action Week in the Seychelles children collected evidence and wrote statements on 'We need a teacher because…' These were delivered to the Ministry of Education and School Managers whilst they partook in panel discussions.

In Sierra Leone campaigners held a Big Hearing in Freetown's National Stadium. Children and teachers were addressed by the President, on the importance and commitment to meeting the Millennium Development
Goals.

In Somalia school children discussed how they could support their friends out of school to get an education. Throughout the country campaigners focused on how to reduce the numbers of street children who have no access to school.

South African celebrities and politicians, and SA's Minister of Education went going Back to School. Among them was the popular music star, Zola and the Sesame Street puppets. On visiting the school Zola announced: If the government can build four prisons – why can't they
build one primary school and pay teachers.

Sudan 's Action Week was a flying success. The Big Hearing took the form of a carnival with hundreds of children demonstrating for teachers and presenting messages to the President and the Minister of Education.

Tanzania 's Action Week was successful in getting women teachers' views aired on national TV and radio. The Big Hearing was held in Dodoma, where girls and boys, and children with disabilities presented their views to the Parliament.

Togo 's Big Hearing, involved many communities and teachers coming together debating improvements in education, after officials had returned back to school through out the Action Week.

In Uganda thousands of children took the time to march through the streets beside teachers. The day included exhibitions, dramas, poems, songs and speeches all bringing the urgent need for teachers to the forefront and was attended by the Minister of Education.

The majority of campaigning in Zambia is happening in May, following much research on the need for teachers. This will be presented in a documentary, on air discussions and campaigners will march past and lobby the government for another 7,000 trained teachers.

In Zimbabwe campaigners and drum majorettes marched through the towns, with banners for education. Following speeches and drama, officials went 'back to school' in order to support all children being able to go to school.

http://www.campaignforeducation.org [2]