List of reports of protests and events that were organized as part of the international day of action can be accessed here:

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International Day of Action against the

Commercialization of Education

 (5th November 2008)

For many years individuals, groups and organizations across the world have been struggling against the rising cost of (higher) education, the increasing influence of profit-driven companies and corporations on universities and the privatization of education in general.

We call on students, teaching and technical staff and workers around the world to protest for emancipating education systems accessible to all, regardless of age or social origin, on 5^th November. Canadian students will stand-up against higher tuition fees on this day; let's unite in our struggle and shape an international students movement!

So far more than 20 groups from around the world are officially supporting this initiative and also signed the Call for this day.

The aim of this protest is to unite student activists accross the world with the common goal of Emancipating Education accessible to All, and to enable more understanding between the different organizations.

What we suggest:

Think of a way to protest (be it big or small) for your ideas linked to free and emancipating education for the whole society during this international day of action. Then send us (united.for.education@gmail.com) clips and pictures, including a short description, within the next ten days [deadline: 15^th November]. (If you don't want your material to be published on this website, then please let us know.)

The materials will then be used to make a short movie and booklet [or flyer] summarizing the protests that took part on 5^th November. (If requested we will also blur all faces on pictures or clips.) The booklet [or flyer] and short movie will then help to reach people not actively involved in social activism. The results will aim to show activists and non-activists that this is not a regional or national, but global struggle.

Please feel encouraged to use and (if necessary) modify the Call for this international Day of Action and spread the word!

Updates and tools:

 

Groups in about 20 countries (among which are England, Germany, France, Spain, Argentina, Croatia, Liberia, the U.S. of A., Canada, Bangladesh, Australia and Ireland) have confirmed their participation. Currently activists are working to get in touch with groups in Chile and Italy. "Live Greetings of Solidarity" are being arranged among various groups before (to mobilize) and during Nov.5th using Skype.
During international chat-conferences activists agreed on using the following slogan to be displayed during protests around the world on that day:

 

"One World - One Struggle, Education is NOT for Sale!"

To express solidarity with other struggling students elsewhere, especially those heavily effected by oppression, such as student movements in Iran and Colombia, I encourage groups to also make use of the following slogan during Nov.5th:

 

"In Solidarity with struggling students - Worldwide!"

These tools were created by activists to help co-ordinate and the day of action as well as get together and exchange information:

• This homepage with a forum, created by two IT amateurs (from France and Germany); but it will hopefully be enough to serve its purpose.
  
  
• Different facebook groups:
  

  A general group for all activists: "International Students Movement for Free and Emancipating Education" with more than 4,200 members from around the world.
  And two local groups: activists preparing protests for Nov.5th in Croatia and the United Kingdom.
  
  

• A mobilization video made by another activist (in Germany) available in five languages (English, Spanish, French, Croatian and Greek).

• So far we had five international chat-conferences. Activists from more than ten countries made use of them so far to co-ordinate and discuss the international day of action.
  
  
• A mailing list was created for activists to send updates and exchange info with other activists elsewhere.
  
  
• A poster was designed by activists in England. It might be useful (for participating groups) together with a piece of paper informing about your local action on that day.

 

 

 

Let's get organized and unite in our struggle for Free and Emancipating public Education worldwide!!

 

~ G l o b a l S o l i d a r i t y & P e a c e ~