Education NewsFeed

April 6, 2025

Malaysia's Ministry Repurposes Schools with RM8.4 Billion Budget

Malaysia's Education Ministry is repurposing existing school rooms to create special-use classrooms, including arts, science, and Design and Technology rooms. The ministry has approved 1,076 redevelopment projects for dilapidated schools nationwide, with a total cost of RM8.412 billion as of 2024.

https://www.ipohecho.com.my/2025/04/06/rebuilding-of-dilapidated-classrooms-at-sjkc-kampung-coldstream-on-schedule/

April 6, 2025

Pakistan's Education Minister Boosts Book Distribution

Pakistan's education minister plans to improve the distribution of textbooks by implementing book banks, which have led to a rise in public school enrollment. The minister aims to maximize resource utility and minimize future costs by aiming for a 50% return rate on books every year. This move is part of efforts to address inflation.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1298465-distribution-of-textbooks-begins-in-sindh-s-public-schools

April 6, 2025

Private Schools Cash in on Expensive Textbooks Scandal

A viral video has highlighted the issue of private schools prioritizing profits over education, with some charging exorbitant prices for textbooks. The man in the video questions why schools are selling books at such high rates when the New Education Policy promises a unified curriculum and affordable learning materials. He suggests that schools are turning into "shopping malls" where parents are burdened with unnecessary expenses, including heavy school bags and inflated costs of supplies. Many users have expressed frustration online, demanding reforms to prevent schools from becoming commercial entities that compromise on education.

https://www.ndtv.com/education/books-covers-made-of-silver-man-slams-private-schools-for-overcharging-8099135#pfrom=home-ndtv_mainnavigation

April 6, 2025

South Korean Activist Battles Private Education Privilege

In South Korea, a vocal advocate for education reform, is pushing for a change from the current scoring system to a pass-fail model, citing concerns over suffocating pressure and widening social divides driven by expensive hagwons. The country's top-income families spend an average of 676,000 won (US$460) per child each month on private education, highlighting the stark disparities in access to quality education.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/even-4-year-olds-in-south-korea-are-facing-immense-academic-pressure-whats-happening-13877663.html

April 6, 2025

Teaching Media Literacy in Schools Matters Now

Incorporating media literacy into school curricula is crucial for young minds, as it enables them to critically evaluate information and promote ethical online behavior. By learning to question content, identify credible sources, and engage in meaningful discussions, students will be better equipped to navigate the complex media landscape. This skillset is essential for future leaders, who must make informed decisions based on accurate information.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1298670-media-literacy

April 6, 2025

Texas Teachers Rally Against Voucher Plan

Hundreds gathered at the Texas Capitol to protest a proposed statewide school voucher program, citing concerns it could harm public education. JoAnn Schatz, a former public school teacher, expressed opposition to the plan, which she believes could undermine the state's public education system.

https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/hundreds-rally-at-texas-capitol-against-school-voucher-program

April 6, 2025

Mother Demands Smartphone Ban After Daughter's Murder

Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, is calling for a "blanket ban" on smartphones in all schools in England to protect students from online harm. Her daughter was killed by classmates Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe in 2023 after accessing disturbing content on social media platforms. Ghey expressed frustration with the government's approach to online safety, citing concerns about how devices can be misused by students. She has campaigned for stricter controls on smartphone use, age limits on social media apps, tougher action on knife crime, and mindfulness education in schools.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14576907/Mother-murdered-teen-Brianna-Ghey-says-mobiles-banned-schools-warns-Labour-against-watering-online-safety-laws-bid-appease-Donald-Trump.html

April 5, 2025

Ardhi University Gets $29M Campus Upgrade Funding

Tanzania's Ardhi University has received over $29 million in funding to improve its campuses, with the goal of meeting global standards and enhancing the country's global competitiveness. The Higher Education Enhancement Team (HEET) project aims to increase enrollment while improving quality, allowing universities like Ardhi to attract international students and faculty. This investment is expected to drive economic growth by producing a skilled workforce for various sectors, according to higher education researcher Emmanuel Mahiga.

https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/revealed-factors-behind-low-enrolment-of-students-at-tanzanian-universities-4990448

April 5, 2025

Australian Schools Overload Kids with Daily Device Use

Australian schools have become among the world's biggest users of technology, with students spending about four hours a day on devices in class. However, frustrated parents like Stephanie Nunn are questioning how much time young children spend on devices during lessons, citing concerns over safety and responsibility. Nunn's son, Sebby, aged 6, was told he would need to bring his own laptop every day when he starts year 2 next year, sparking her concern about the weight and cost of such a task.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/they-can-t-tie-shoelaces-how-young-is-too-young-for-a-school-laptop-20250213-p5lbsa.html