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Transforming lives through learning: Celebrating education’s potential

This International Day of Education, we’re celebrating the power of learning to transform lives and communities. FutureLearn leaders share their insights on how education breaks boundaries, fosters understanding, and unlocks opportunities.

Internationaldayofeducation

January 24th is the International Day of Education – a time to celebrate the transformative power of learning and reflect on how education shapes individuals, communities, and the world. Kirstie Donnelly and Lord Blunkett of FutureLearn’sLeadership Team share their thoughts:

“Education can open up possibilities and options anywhere, any time and even any place – it’s portable and stackable. We learn – we evolve, it doesn’t have boundaries or have to start and end – and learning is a way to open up all our minds and help each of us make our own positive impact in the “worlds” we contribute to.” 

Kirstie Donnelly, MBE, Chief Executive Officer at City & Guilds and member of the FutureLearn Leadership Team.  

“The evidence is clear that the better educated an individual becomes, the more understanding they have of the complexity and interconnectedness of the world of today. The more open-mindedness and awareness increases, the greater the propensity to see the real dangers in global conflict, and to be committed to finding pathways to peaceful resolutions.” 

Lord David Blunkett, Chair of FutureLearn Advisory Board

In an increasingly interconnected and fast-paced world, online learning has become a game-changer. It breaks down barriers to access, offering people from all walks of life the chance to upskill, innovate, and grow—regardless of their location or circumstances.

Here’s why online education matters now more than ever:

  • Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule.
  • Accessibility: Education for everyone, anywhere, anytime.
  • Diverse opportunities: Courses on everything from data science to creative writing to entrepreneurship.
  • Lifelong learning: Keep growing, no matter your age or career stage.

Education empowers us to transform challenges into opportunities and ideas into action. Let’s celebrate the potential of learning to bridge divides and unlock opportunities for all.

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