International Education Day 2025: Preserving Human Agency in an AI-Driven World

On January 24th, we celebrate International Education Day 2025 under the theme “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation.” This year’s theme highlights the critical role of education in equipping individuals to navigate and shape the ever-evolving technological landscape.

As artificial intelligence and automation increasingly influence daily life, education must ensure that human creativity, ethical reasoning, and decision-making remain central. At Nourishing Schools Foundation, we see education as a powerful tool to build resilience and adaptability, especially for children in underserved communities. By focusing on foundational life skills like nutrition, hygiene, and critical thinking, we aim to prepare children for a future where human agency complements technological progress.

Education and Technology: A Balanced Approach

Technological advancements offer incredible potential to transform industries, but they also raise questions about ethical use, equity, and human involvement. Education systems must address these challenges by teaching children to think critically and ethically about the tools they use. Schools play a pivotal role in helping students develop these skills while ensuring they can thrive in an AI-driven world.

At Nourishing Schools Foundation, our programmes emphasise problem-solving and adaptability through practical education. We incorporate activities that encourage analytical thinking and teamwork, preparing children to approach future challenges confidently.

The Role of Education in Building Resilience

AI systems increasingly influence everything from healthcare to education, yet human agency must remain central to these systems. This requires education systems that prioritise technical skills, ethical reasoning, creativity, and adaptability. For children in underserved communities, this means addressing foundational barriers such as malnutrition and poor hygiene, which can impede learning.

Our work at the Nourishing Schools Foundation demonstrates how education can build resilience. By focusing on life skills like nutrition and hygiene, we create a strong foundation for students to engage with broader educational goals, including navigating the complexities of AI-driven systems. For instance, understanding health data or sustainable agriculture practices equips children with the tools to think critically about issues affecting their communities, a skill set increasingly relevant in an AI-dominated world.

Equipping Students for an AI-Enhanced World

AI can be a powerful tool in education when used responsibly. For instance, personalised learning platforms can help students at different levels progress at their own pace. Similarly, AI can support data collection and analysis, which aligns with our use of dashboards to monitor programme outcomes in schools. These tools allow educators to identify gaps in learning and improve interventions effectively.

However, as AI becomes more pervasive, students must also understand the ethical implications and potential biases within these systems. Integrating these conversations into education ensures that children are not just consumers of technology but informed participants in shaping its future.

Building a Human-Centred Future

This International Education Day, let’s reaffirm the importance of education in preserving human agency. By addressing foundational needs and equipping children with critical thinking skills, we can prepare them to thrive in a world shaped by AI and automation. At Nourishing Schools Foundation, we remain committed to bridging gaps in education and well-being, ensuring every child is prepared to lead, innovate, and grow.

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay