The initiative is centred on the ten rights of a child derived from international human rights treaties aimed at describing what an ideal school for the provision of quality public education constitutes .The ten rights are: free and compulsory education, non- discrimination, adequate infrastructure, quality-trained teachers, safe and non- violent environment, relevant education, participatory, transparent and accountable schools, quality learning and right to know your rights.
The project is being implemented by the Gambia Teachers Union with funding from Action Aid International The Gambia which targets key players in education and child development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Gambia Teacher’s Union head office the desk officer of the union’s women wing, Janet Mansal, explained:
“The Promoting Rights in School (PRS) framework is meant to provide guidance for mobilising children, parents and teachers to create awareness and support them to monitor the quality of education in our schools.
‘Action Aid International- The Gambia has signed an agreement with stakeholders in education on implementing activities in the PRS with focus on Rights 2; The Right to non – discrimination Right 5; Right to non- Violent environment and Right 8;Right to participate in decision – making processes . These are all geared towards enhancing quality public education .In fulfillment of this agreement, this programme is designed among others to share information on the Action for Children’s Right in Education (ACRE) project, discuss Human Rights Conventions and the PRS frame work on the 3 rights (2, 5, and 8)”.
The training, according to her, will also enable participants to collate and analyse data collected from the schools and use the information as a basis to report and support their policy brief for their Education for All advocacy
Speaking earlier, the General Secretary of The Gambia Teachers Union, Antionette Corr Jack stated:
“The fact that you are attending this training is a clear manifestation of your commitment to children education and development. This is an adult learning, we do not believe in just reading. We want everybody to participate. All of you have a wealth of experience and I am sure if you share those experiences, this training will be very participatory. Ask questions to engage the resources persons.”
The other members of the consortium include Child Protection Alliance, Forum for African women educationists, Education for All Campaign Network, Nova Scotia Gambia Association, among others.
By Sainey MK Marenah
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