Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking opportunities. Yet, millions of young people worldwide remain out of school, with 244 million missing education and gender disparities limiting access (United Nations, 2024).

This year’s International Day of Education theme, “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation”, highlights the need to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly digital world.

At the Swarovski Foundation, we believe education empowers young people to use technology while ensuring human agency remains at the centre of innovation. Through our mission to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality, we are committed to supporting education that supports individuals to thrive in the age if AI.‍

Learning Equality – Digital Literacy for a More Inclusive Future

Despite a digitalised world, an estimated 2.6 billion people, mostly in the Global South, have never used the internet, limiting their access to essential services (ITU, 2023). Digital and AI literacy is crucial, as our charity partner Learning Equality highlights, ‘as automated systems further shape our daily lives, if we don’t understand how they function, or how to adapt them to our needs, we risk losing agency.’

Learning Equality is committed to creating quality learning opportunities through offline-first technology in low-resource, low-connectivity areas. Through our partnership, Learning Equality works with YIDA Youth Initiative and HAF Uganda in two refugee settlements in Uganda, where 660 refugee learners can develop literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, and digital skills without internet access.

Learning Equality believes in using technology to foster a more inclusive, equitable future: ‘Knowing that AI can be either a gatekeeper of privilege or a gateway to possibility, let’s ensure every learner has the tools and the confidence to help shape AI, rather than just be shaped by it.’ Learn more about their work or support them here.

AkiraChix - Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech

Africa’s labour force is expected to grow by almost 40% by 2030, but without stronger action, 100 million young Africans may be unemployed (Afdb, 2019). Young women face extra challenges, making up three in five NEETs in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 (ILO, 2023).

AkiraChix's vision is to be the leading source of African female tech talent, empowering young women in Sub-Saharan Africa with education, tools, and support for prosperous careers and fulfilling lives. Their codeHive programme equips young women aged 19-24 with tech skills to advance economically, bridging the gender gap in tech.

You can support by sponsoring through their donate page or advocating for more women in tech. Your involvement can help provide young women with the skills, education, and opportunities they need to build successful digital careers.

‍Raks Thai Foundation - Transforming Water Education

While almost 100% of Thailand’s population has access to piped water, 8.25 million people, mainly in rural and small urban areas, still lack access to this vital resource (Voluntary National Review, 2021).

The Waterschool programme operates in northern Thailand's highland communities, focusing on supporting underserved populations through Active Learning. Partnerships with local organisations, the Chiang Mai Environmental Office, and academic experts have introduced digital tools like iNaturalist, eBird, Canva, and KineMaster to enhance education, research, data analysis, and media creation. These innovations and technologies drive improved educational outcomes and community engagement.

Freshwater is essential for livelihoods. Protecting, managing, and using it sustainably ensures prosperity for future generations. Everyone can take responsibility by learning about their local water challenges and reducing their water footprint.

How can you support?

Education transforms lives, and collective action creates a lasting impact. Support organisations like Learning Equality to bridge the digital divide, get involved with AkiraChix to champion gender equity in tech, or support initiatives from the Raks Thai Foundation. Together, we can build a more inclusive, sustainable future through education.