United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012): Mid-Decade Review
The report of the implementation of the International Plan of Action for the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD) was presented to the United Nations General Assembly on October 6, at a halfway point in the United Nations Literacy Decade (2003-2012) for which UNESCO is the lead agency.
At its halfway point, UNLD gives reason for cautious optimism regarding progress in youth and adult literacy rates, and has begun to put literacy higher on the international agenda. In places, national policies have led to more dynamic structures and increased funding for literacy. The global adult literacy rate up from 76 per cent to 83.6 per cent from 1985 to 2006. However, three quarters of the 127 countries for which projections were calculated will miss the goal of halving adult illiteracy rates by 2015 and the literacy gender gap remains virtually unchanged.
Teachers matter! World Teachers’ Day 2008
World Teachers’ Day, held annually on 5 October since 1994, commemorates the anniversary of the signing in 1966 of UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. It is an occasion to celebrate the essential role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels.
Education International is the largest federation of teachers’ unions and celebrates World Teachers' Day. Send one of their e-cards to a teacher to express your appreciation.
Learn about Teachers' Day celebrations around the world and find teacher days and other dates related to education and children on the Teacher Appreciation Calendar.
An internet discussion forum is taking place from 8 September to 3 October 2008 based on the "Global perspectives on teacher learning: improving policy and practice" publication by J. Schwille and M. Dembélé that looks at all forms of teacher learning, formal and informal, from teachers' own early schooling, through their pre-service preparation and induction, and on to the end of their teaching career. If wish to join the forum, sending your name, title, organization and country to virtual.institute@iiep.unesco.or g.
Toolkits for Educators
ESCUP Activity Menu Toolkit: For Education Practioners
The EQUIP1 Educational Support to Children in Underserved Populations (ESCUP) project in Cambodia created this tool for development practitioners in their efforts to prioritize the problems they encounter and to choose the appropriate interventions to solve those problems.
Toolkit for Mainstreaming HIV and AIDS in the Educaion Sector
This toolkit published by UNAIDS IATT on Education aims to help education staff from development cooperation agencies to support the process of mainstreaming HIV and AIDS into education sector planning and implementation.
A Toolkit for Mainstreaming Gender in Higher Education in Africa
The Association of African Universities (AAU) published this toolkit to provide practical guide on how to initiate a gender-mainstreaming program and establish helpful processes. Beginning July 2008, the Working Group on Higher Education, will partner with the UNESCO Bamako Cluster Office to deliver an online training course, for academics and teachers, using the Toolkit.
Open Education Resources (OER) Handbook for Educators
This handbook is designed to help educators find, use, develop and share OER to enhance their effectiveness online and in the classroom.
ICT-in-Education Toolkit
This toolkit provides education policy makers, planners and practitioners with a systematic process to formulate, plan and evaluate education development programs enhanced by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
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Welcome to the Global Learning Portal, a network for educators. Click on 
The GLP is launching a new portal to provide an online gateway for Palestinian youth to connect with the world. The portal will allow young people in the West Bank to access digital libraries and training materials and will feature an online environment for collaboration. It is a combined effort with USAID, the Palestinian Information Technology Association of Companies, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the U.S.-Palestinian Partnership.