Education for every child
Education is every child’s right, regardless of gender, background or mental and physical abilities. No matter where they live, rich or poor, HIV-positive or HIV-negative, all children have the right to develop their personality, talents and abilities to their fullest potential. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, born 20 years ago in 1989, upholds and protects this right for each child, demanding that every girl and boy receive quality education in a safe, healthy and protective environment, even during emergency situations. Although children’s right to education is internationally recognised, it is unfortunately not completely fulfilled in many parts of the world. Today, some 93 million children of primary school age are not attending school. The majority of these children are girls, and almost 80 per cent of them live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Out-of-school children represent a broken promise affecting the shared fortunes of the children, their education system, their health and that of their families, and the overall development potential of the countries where they live. Without an education, children are less likely to be healthy, grow strong or be safe. Without an education, they are less likely to fully participate in their communities or raise healthy children themselves one day. Without universal education, countries are less likely to achieve other development goals. In all of the ongoing work on education and gender equality, UNICEF and its partners are striving to fulfil the right to education for all children, everywhere. By ensuring that every child has access to quality learning, we lay the foundation for growth, transformation, innovation, opportunity and equality. You too can help make a difference. • Tel: (+6.03) 2095 9154 (Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm) • Email: kualalumpur@unicef.org UNICEF is not funded by the United Nations. We depend entirely on voluntary contributions to make a difference in the lives of children. ......................................................................................... A Message from the Representative
|
