Education of children: a right and a priority
- Jan 28, 2025
- 2 min read
At the start of 2025, Pope Francis is calling on the universal Church to pray for the right to education, which ‘opens the doors to a better future’. This is in line with our charism, which from the very beginning has made the education of children, especially the most disadvantaged, our priority.
The subject is clearly close to his heart, and Pope Francis does not mince his words! Speaking of a ‘real educational catastrophe’, he says: ‘this is not an exaggeration’. UNESCO's figures support this view. According to the international organisation, around 250 million children around the world are out of school. The causes: ‘wars’, ‘migration’ and ‘poverty’. A reality that is hard to accept: the future of a country depends on its young people and their education. A few years ago, the President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, exclaimed: ‘Tell me what kind of youth you have and I'll tell you what kind of a country you'll be’.
This is what we live throughout the world, sisters and lay people who share the same charism passed on from Blessed Nicolas Barré.
In Africa, our Nicolas Barré Bilingual School Complex in Yaounde-Ekounou (Cameroon) is a symbol of the fight against illiteracy. In Madagascar, around 10,000 children attend the schools and literacy centres for street children run by our federated Sisters of Providence in Rouen.
In Peru: Collique-Lima, Callao-Mi Peru, Urubamba, Ocongate, Cuzco-San Jeronimo, comprehensive education is offered in our schools and parishes in working-class neighbourhoods.
Photo: environmental workshop, Collique and Mi Peru schools.
In Asia, the history of our presence over more than 150 years bears witness to the contribution of our sisters and their pioneering role in the education of girls in Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and in Myanmar today.
In France, 25 establishments are under the supervision of our sisters of Providence de Rouen, in Hauts-de-France and Normandy.
Consistent improvement in PTE depends on accurate feedback rather than guesswork. Attempting a PTE online mock test with score offers clear indicators of progress and problem areas. Score reports guide learners toward targeted improvement, making preparation more efficient. Over multiple attempts, this structured approach leads to noticeable gains in accuracy and confidence.
This is such an inspiring and timely reminder of how crucial education is in shaping the future of every child, especially the most disadvantaged. Ensuring the right to education not only opens doors to opportunities but also empowers young minds to reach their full potential. In today’s globalized world, access to quality education can also help students pursue higher studies and international opportunities — for instance, many learners begin their journeys with TOEFL registration to prove English proficiency or prepare seriously using an IELTS writing practice test to build strong writing skills for academic success. A holistic approach to learning truly makes education a right and a priority for all.
Education of children is not just a right but a global priority, shaping their future and opportunities. With the rise of digital learning, platforms offering online IELTS training ensure students can access quality education anytime, anywhere, enhancing their skills effectively.
The education of children: a right and a priority emphasizes the importance of accessible, quality learning from an early age. Considering metrics like University of Bridgeport ranking helps parents and students evaluate reputable institutions for future higher education opportunities.
Ensuring the education of children as a fundamental right and priority lays the foundation for future success, inspiring families to explore top universities abroad and understand the Oxford University acceptance rate for long-term academic planning