Saturday, May 24, 2008

Education for All: a Global Initiative


UNESCO promotes quality inclusive education for all learners, especially the most marginalized and vulnerable through the Education Division. The Division is divided into themes such as early childhood education, primary education, secondary education - which includes techincal and science education, higher education, literacy, HIV/AIDS Education, and Teacher Education. throughout the world. The Organization addresses the education needs of street and working children, drug users, the disabled and other vulnerable groups through such initiatives as its Program for the Education of Children in Need - which is a collaboration with the Social & Human Science Division and the “Another way to learn” project.


This makes me wonder if of our children here in the States (the inner-city and rural areas) qualify for UNESCO's attention and funds. The state of this nation's public education system is shameful. Children from many Inner-city and rural communities are dealing with the same obstabcles - multi-generation poverty, street-living, a crime culture, working (or hustling to support a family), drug users and sellers issues, etc. are documented. These groups are just as vulnerable and theChildren just aren't getting educated. And having spent some time in an "Urban School District" I know that these kids are dealing with some overwhelming circumstances -- early parenthood, STD, just plain ignorant about what to do after high school, intense gang activity, and drug trafficking -- just to name a few. Something needs to change; something new and innovative is needed.


Check out more information about UNESCO's EDUCATION FOR ALL BY 2015: WILL WE MAKE IT? A mid-term assessment of where the world stands on its commitment to provide basic education for all children, youth and adults by 2015.

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