UNICEF action
Getting children into school and improving the quality of education are the major priorities of the UNICEF education programme. UNICEF has completed a mapping exercise in nine northern and northeastern districts to identify how many children are out of school and why. We are now extending this research effort to cover other areas, including districts affected by the tsunami. The resulting data are being used to support ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of out-of-school children, including seminars for government officials on late enrolment. UNICEF is also working with the Office of the Basic Education Commission and other partners to extend the Child Friendly Schools programme throughout Thailand. There are now over 1,000 such schools providing a safe, clean, healthy and protective environment in which child rights are respected, children are encouraged to participate and lessons include essential life skills, such as how to avoid HIV/AIDS. Measures are taken to ensure that disabled and HIV-affected children are welcomed. The process for establishing a Child Friendly School includes input from everyone in the community. Parents, teachers, students and community leaders are taught about child rights before assessing their local school and making improvements to school management and planning.
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