“Teachers can have a profound impact on the lives of our students. When I was a young boy, my teacher, Ms Julia Coleman, was a great influence on me and my classmates. She introduced us to the world beyond Plains, Georgia. She used to say, and I quote:

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.

These wise words have guided me throughout my entire political career, especially my time in the White House.”

— President Jimmy Carter
extracted from a video message Carter recorded for the Yidan Prize #EducationStorytelling campaign in 2018.

Today, Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100. While many will remember him as a former US president, Carter’s legacy lies in his lifelong dedication to creating a healthier and more peaceful world through education and beyond.

Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Carter grew up with a strong sense of community and a belief in the power of helping others. These values guided him throughout his life, from his time in public service to his decades of work after leaving the White House. As president, he established the US Department of Education in 1979. He understood that education was key to unlocking opportunity and believed every child deserved access to quality schools. By making education a national priority, Carter laid the foundation for programs that continue to support students and teachers across the country.

After his presidency, Carter continued to bring hope and change to millions. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center, an organization committed to improving health, promoting peace, and protecting human rights. Through the Carter Center, he led efforts to prevent and eliminate debilitating diseases using simple techniques and tools, working to eradicate them in some of the world's most vulnerable communities from Africa to Latin America.

Carter also believed deeply in the transformative power of education. He worked tirelessly to improve access to learning, particularly for children in underserved areas and for women and girls in developing countries. He ensured education was incorporated into the Carter Center’s health and peace programs so these programs would be sustainable and truly benefit the communities they were serving. He knew that education was more than just a tool for success — it was a pathway to hope and a better future. His commitment to education sparked countless initiatives around the world, supporting communities to rise above challenges and create lasting change.

Jimmy Carter’s legacy reminds us that education is the key to driving lasting change for a better world. He showed that we could all make a difference by lifting others up and working toward a better future for all.