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WHAT YOU CAN DODONATEEVENTSJOBS

 

 A good education is one of the most basic rights of the child. Without one, a child is immediately disadvantaged and far less likely to achieve their true potential. Nor is it enough simply to send a child to school - although millions of children are not even given this. What, how and when they are taught is what lies at the heart of true education.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the right of all children to education. Taken in conjunction with the other rights it lists, this education should be child-centred, child friendly and empowering. In other words, children have a right to be respected and listened to, they have a right not to be punished, and they have a right to information relevant to their lives.

Save the Children believes that this vision of education is achievable, regardless of where or who a child is.

The importance of early years: Child development specialists agree that the early years of a child's life are the most important in terms of their future development. Damage done at this age has a lasting effect, while positive experiences give the child the tools they need to make the most of their future education. Yet, despite the clear evidence in favour of 'early years' education, many countries make little provision for it, and much of what is provided is simply not appropriate to the development needs of young children. At the same time, internationally-funded early care and development (ECD) programs often fail to address the educational needs of young children.

Save the Children believes that even the very young should be given the opportunities and prospects that a broad-based early education can provide. This does not mean focusing on 'pre-schools' but rather looking at a child's education in the widest possible terms - such as the indirect teaching provided by their mothers, fathers and communities.

The quality of children's school experience: Much recent attention has rightly been given to the fact that millions of children today do not go to school. What is more often overlooked is that for many of those who are in school, the education provided can be irrelevant to, or simply ignore, their needs and the experience can even be damaging. Children are often treated simply as recipients of education with little or no inclination to involve them. They are rarely consulted or listened to and, equally damaging, can be subjected to harsh punishment.