Uber and UNESCO partner under Global Education Coalition to support teachers around the world
Uber extends its commitment to the work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by offering 1 million rides to teachers around the world to and from vaccination appointments to support the reopening of schools and to protect teachers and their communities.
As a member of the Global Education Coalition, Uber worked with UNESCO and its partners during the first wave of COVID-19 to deliver meals to the hardest hit students in countries such as the UK, Kenya, Mexico and Colombia. With cases of COVID-19 still rising around the world, and many schools either fully or partially closed, Uber and UNESCO are extending their partnership. Together, Uber and UNESCO aim to remove transportation as a barrier to accessing vaccinations for teachers around the world as and when governments allow local teachers to get vaccinated.
“This last year has reminded us all what a crucial role teachers play in all of our lives. Especially as a parent myself, I am proud that Uber is doing its part in ensuring equitable access to vaccinations for teachers in countries around the world,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO at Uber.
“The ongoing effects of the pandemic are being felt by teachers and families around the world. We are committed to supporting teachers return to classrooms safely,” said Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant-Director General for Education. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Uber to provide rides to teachers to access vaccinations as these become available; this will make a meaningful difference for many educators and school communities around the world and help children get back to learning in classrooms as soon as possible.”
The 1 million rides for teachers under the Global Education Coalition are part of Uber’s commitment to provide 10 million free or discounted rides to help make sure that transportation is not a barrier to getting the vaccine. The 1 million rides will be available for teachers in the following 20 countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Egypt, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, UK, Ukraine, USA. Uber and UNESCO will partner with local NGOs and government bodies to distribute rides to teachers in these countries.