The United Nations Convention On The Rights Of The Child And World Summit For Children PDF Download

Noting that in both developing and developed nations schools may be found that do not reflect the vision of the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child, this report examines the articles of the Convention dealing with education and discusses their implications for the development of educational policy. The report describes articles in the Convention dealing specifically with education: (1) Article 28 defines education as a right and recommends steps for this right to be achieved progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity; and (2) Article 29 addresses the purpose of school education. Articles delineating general principles of the Convention are also described, relating to nondiscrimination; best interests of the child; rights to life, survival, and development; and view of the child. The report maintains that the general principles outline a direction for progressive educational reform and analyzes eight areas of potential reform: (1) universal access to basic education; (2) equal opportunities; (3) the appropriate content of education; (4) cultural roots and global values; (5) new methods of learning; (6) mutual respect; (7) pupil participation; and (8) the role of teachers, parents, and the community. The report further examines differences in implementation of educational changes in developing nations, discusses the problems of inadequate resources, and notes that development has to start from the local community. The report concludes by asserting that although the global long-term trend is to give education more priority, it is not certain that the movement will be toward schooling in the spirit of the Convention. However, the Convention has the potential to make a unique contribution in every country. (Contains 19 reference notes.) (KB)