Foreword

Open schools, close prisons

There’s a reason why quotation books are full of quotes about education. Because school is where you make memories for life. Life in the classroom has even inspired some to legendary wisdom.

Sometimes, the quotes are cynical: school is too long a break from holidays, an educational prison or an institution for forced treatment. Roman statesman Seneca even says: “We learn not for life but for school.”

Fortunately, there are positive quotes too. I like this one from Victor Hugo: “He who opens a school door closes a prison.” I agree with this quote both as a human being and a mayor.

Quite rightly, education was given a place in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago (and in this edition of Illuster as well).

Unfortunately, it’s still vital for us to maximise our commitment to the right to education in 2024 because of the many children who are still unable or not allowed to go to school. Whether they live in Uruguay, Uruzgan or Utrecht — a city of knowledge — children everywhere should have access to school, knowledge and skills. This would give them access to a better future and enable them to make memories for life.

Sharon A.M. Dijksma
Mayor of Utrecht