Education is a fundamental right for every child, a belief strongly upheld by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), particularly in Article 28. We believe strongly in this right to the extent that Save the Children has committed to all children having access to a quality basic education by 2030.
This article delves into the essence of UNCRC Article 28, exploring its goals, definitions, and the levels of education it covers. We will also discuss how Save the Children Australia's initiatives, like the Student Advocacy Project, align with these principles to create a brighter future for children in Australia and abroad.
UNCRC Article 28's main goal
The primary objective of Article 28 is to affirm the right of all children to receive an education. This right is universal, irrespective of a child's background, location, or personal circumstances. Education is not just a privilege but a basic right that paves the way for a child's comprehensive development and future success.
How does Article 28 define access to education?
This article says that every young person, no matter who they are or where they're from, should be able to go to school and receive free, high-quality education. Article 28 understands that different children have diverse needs and that these must be taken into consideration and accommodated by educational institutions and policymakers.
The article goes on to encourage the development of accessible and strongly encouraged secondary and higher education including vocational studies. Though primary education should be compulsory and freely available to all, the Article understands that higher education is not necessary for everyone and should be available to all based on capacity.
Addressing education quality
Misinformation and other shortcomings in education can in some instances be as harmful to a child’s development as a lack of education. It’s not enough for children and young people to simply be in school, the education they receive must be overall of a high standard meeting at least the following minimum requirements under UNCRC Article 28:
- School discipline should be administered in a way that maintains the child’s dignity and doesn’t infringe upon their rights
- Reasonable measures should be taken to accommodate the diverse needs of individual students
- Young people should be able to choose to some extent what they study in secondary and higher education, including subjects relating to technical and vocational training
- Education should not be withheld or limited based on a child’s characteristics such as race, gender, religious beliefs, refugee status, or disabilities.
Who ensures education rights under Article 28?
Governments and schools have equally big parts to play under Article 28. It’s the role of governments to ensure through legislative means and support that schools are able and accountable to provide the necessary level of education for all their students. To support children and young people, governments should:
- Ensuring to the best of their ability that educators and others working with children don’t represent a threat to young people and are suitably qualified to do so, (i.e. Working with children checks, qualification requirements in relevant subjects, etc.)
- Make early education freely available and compulsory for all young people
- Ensure teachers and other people in care cannot use violence against children and young people
- Work to make schools generally safe from violence
- Make sure school staff cannot publicly humiliate children and young people
- Work to reduce or eliminate bullying from classmates and staff
- Take measures to encourage regular attendance and reduce dropout rates
- Provide financial support and other resources to help support the diverse needs of young people such as making schools physically accessible and resources available for those that may need them with all reasonable measures taken to reduce financial burden and stigma
- Make sure young people in detention for whatever reason aren’t left behind and have access to education
- Work to make higher education accessible to all through financial support and other means
- Listen to key stakeholders such as parents and guardians, educational institutions, and young people themselves on matters relating to education
- Cooperate internationally to help build a high global level of education and reduce/eliminate illiteracy and ignorance
- Monitoring and regularly checking in on educators to ensure care standards and a satisfactory level of education are being met
Ultimately governments should provide necessary support, guidelines, and accountability for educational institutions to provide a high level of education to all young people.
How can you help?
Resource limitations, shortcomings in infrastructure, cultural and societal views, and a lack of awareness of factors such as disabilities can all prevent a fair education for young people. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals can make a real difference when UNCRC Article 28 is not being properly implemented.
Whilst Australia generally has a high level of education there are still young people affected by these issues. Save the Children Australia is working with the Northern Territory Department of Education to ensure that every child, including those with special educational needs, has access to meaningful and inclusive education. Through services like callback support, case advocacy, and systemic advocacy, we're breaking down barriers to education and empowering children and families to actively participate in learning processes.
Help us make education better for every child
You can make a difference! Donating, spreading the word, or volunteering can help make sure all kids get the education they deserve. We invite you to join us in this mission – together, let's ensure that every child's right to education is upheld, creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.