The Right To An Education

Schoolgirls outside their classroom in Ayacucho, Peru.

Reasons for going to school

UNICEF recognizes education as an activity which occurs both inside and outside of the formal school environment. However, for the purposes of this survey, only formal schooling was taken into account.

The main reasons respondents said they were going to school was "to learn" (46%), "in order to be someone in life" (29%) and "in order to become a professional" (22%). Only 8% mentioned the pleasant feeling it produces ("because I like it") as a reason.

Click below to view the responses to the questions related to this issue:

• I go to school because…(total) [view]

Commentary on teachers and school headmaster

A third (33%) of responses were favourable and 55% critical when asked, "what would you say to the teachers in your school?" Similar results applied to the headmaster -- 22% favourable and 57% unfavourable. Criticisms were sharpest in Mexico (55% for teachers and 60% for Headmasters) and the Andean Zone (63% teachers and 70% headmasters). By segment, the indigenous respondents were the most critical, most frequently asking for "clearer and more interesting classes."

Click below to view the responses to the questions related to this issue:

• I would ask my teachers to…(total) [view]
• I would ask my headmaster to…(total) [view]

This information is provided as a contribution to discussion on important issues affecting children. UNICEF Regional offices conducted the polls, analysis and interpretations of the findings. For more information, please contact the regional poll contact person directly.