International Day of Education

Shane Warren
Jan 24
2 min read

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

24 January 2026

On International Day of Education, VMHPAA recognises education as one of the most powerful protective factors for mental health, social stability, and lifelong wellbeing.

Education is more than academic achievement. It is a pathway to opportunity, belonging, confidence, and security. When education is accessible, inclusive, and well-resourced, it reduces inequality, strengthens communities, and creates the conditions for people, especially young people, to thrive.

VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren reflects on the role education plays in preventing harm long before it reaches crisis point:

“Through my work in parent coaching, youth engagement, and community settings, I’ve seen time and again that education is one of the strongest tools we have to prevent inequality, insecurity, and long-term disadvantage. When young people feel supported at school, when families are engaged, and when learning environments are safe and inclusive, we don’t just improve academic outcomes we protect mental health and future wellbeing.”

He added that education systems are often the first place early signs of distress, disengagement, or vulnerability appear:

“Schools and learning environments are where we can notice early warning signs, intervene with care, and build resilience, not by labelling or punishing, but by educating, supporting, and empowering.”

VMHPAA Secretary Susan Sandy, drawing on her experience as a relationship counsellor and School Welfare Officer, highlighted the deeply human impact of education:

“In schools, I’ve watched lives change because a young person was believed in, supported, and given access to learning that made sense for them. Education can be the turning point by restoring hope, strengthening relationships, and helping children and families see a future that once felt out of reach.”

She noted that education is also relational:

“Education works best when it recognises the whole person their emotional world, their family context, their strengths, and their challenges. When learning environments are emotionally safe, students don’t just learn better, they heal, grow, and reconnect.”

On this day, VMHPAA calls for continued investment in education systems that are: