How Education can Save the World

Abstract

While issues faced by Catholic schools around theworld depend on local context, a number of common challenges are often encountered globally. This article considers eight such challenges: (1) the decline in the depth of faith and values; (2) an inadequate number of clergy and religious serving in schools; (3) a changing scenario for teaching personnel; (4) a changing face of families; (5) ethical and religious pluralism; (6) inadequate child safety mechanism; (7) lack of research, data and documentation; and finally (8) the need for catholic Schools to reach the socio-economically marginalized. Based on an analysis of these challenges, the article suggests step that Catholic schools can take to meet those challenges. The article is adapted with minor modifications from an address at the opening session of the OIEC World Congress held in New York in June 2019. W e are privileged to be here today to represent Catholic school networks from around the world. There are over 200,000 Catholic schools worldwide serving millions of children and young people from various backgrounds. Our types of schools range from poor and rural to well-resourced city schools and many in between. We endeavor to provide holistic and quality education at all levels from early childhood to universities. Additionally, there are many non-formal education sites that enable many young people to acquire vocational skills that support their socio-economic needs. These are mostly youth who did not excel academically for higher education, and therefore for securing their livelihood. Our sites help in giving them a sense of dignity and enable them to make a positive contribution to the society.