Ei-iE

In a world where the value of education and the pillars of human rights and democracy are increasingly under attack, Education International (EI) stands firm in its commitment to recognize and celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to these causes. On August 1st 2024, during its World Congress themed ‘Growing our Unions, Elevating our Professions, Defending Democracy,’ EI paid tribute to three educators and unionists who have made a difference in their communities and around the world.

Laures Park: Transforming education for Māori and marginalized groups

Laures Park, awarded the 2024 EI Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Trade Union Rights Award, has been a force for transformation within New Zealand's education system. Her leadership within the NZEI Te Riu Roa has been instrumental in uplifting Māori students and teachers, leading the establishment of Miro Maori (the Māori strand of membership) and Te Reo Areare (Māori national leadership group), advocating for a Te Tiriti-based system that honors the Treaty of Waitangi, and championing the rights and identities of indigenous people. Park's career, from teacher to principal to a senior union leader, reflects her unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable educational landscape.

"I take this award in the name of all Indigenous peoples and pupils. We want all children to succeed,” Park said.

She also emphasized that “colonizers should be ones to do the decolonizing around the world.”

Georgiy Trukhanov: Defending democracy in the face of armed adversity

The inaugural Fred van Leeuwen Democracy Award was presented to Georgiy Trukhanov, who has shown extraordinary leadership in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy during times of war with Russia. As the President of the Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine, Trukhanov has not only protected the labor rights of educators but also mobilized international solidarity to support those affected by the conflict.

“The Fred van Leeuwen Democracy Award is not my personal award, but an assessment of the activities of our whole organization,” Trukhanov said, adding: “In this extremely difficult time for Ukraine, we appreciate and feel the strong support of Education International and the entire international trade union community. I have had the honor of working with Fred van Leeuwen, including during a visit to Kiev in 2014 after the Trade Union house was burned down during the Revolution of Dignity.”

“Despite the constant shelling, destruction, blackouts, and the absence of communication and Internet, Ukrainian educators continue to work to teach and educate the future generations of our country. Their courage and dedication inspire and strengthen faith in a better tomorrow for our children,” he concluded.

Arlene Inouye: A voice for educators and an inspiration for social justice

Arlene Inouye, the recipient of the 2024 EI Albert Shanker Education Award, is a testament to the power of dedication and leadership in public education. As a secretary for United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), Inouye has been a vocal advocate for the rights of Asians and Pacific Islanders, leveraging her role to bring about significant social change. Her efforts during the historic UTLA 2019 contract negotiations led to groundbreaking wins for students across the district, marking her as a pivotal figure in the fight for educational and social justice.

These awards are a reminder of the enduring impact that dedicated individuals can have on education, human and trade union rights, and democracy. The recipients, Arlene Inouye, Laures Park, and Georgiy Trukhanov, embody the spirit of resilience, advocacy, and leadership that EI seeks to celebrate. Their stories are not just tales of personal triumph but beacons of hope for educators and activists worldwide.

Delegates then paid a glowing tribute to Susan Hopgood for her leadership and years as EI President, serving educators and their unions around the globe.