Schools commemorate International Day of the African Child and right of all children to access education
Schools are today being encouraged to acknowledge the importance of access to education for children across the world by marking the International Day of the African Child.
AEU Federal President Angelo Gavrielatos said the day aimed to recognise that many children in Africa were being disadvantaged by a lack of access to safe education.
“The recent events in Nigeria, which saw the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by the militant Boko Haram group show that the right to education for all African children is still precarious.”
“Schools across Australia are encouraged to mark this day and in particular to express their concern over this crime, and explore constructive ways in which students can respond.
“There are millions of other children in Africa who are not receiving the decent basic education they need to equip them for life in the modern world.
The theme for 2014 is: ‘A child-friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children in Africa’.
The International Day of the African Child was first celebrated in 1991 and raises awareness of the continuing need for the improvement of education provided to African children.
“Education is a basic human right for all children regardless of which country they live in,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
“Education empowers children and communities. Providing a decent education for all children in Africa is the key to improving the health and wealth of the continent.”
“Australian schools are part of this global effort to recognise the importance of education and its role in changing the lives of African children.”
Media Contact: Ben Ruse 0437 971 291