Article 26

rletcher's picture
Submitted by on Thu, 05/19/2011 - 10:18am

I read a blog post recently from Konrad Glogowski simply titled “Article 26.”  In this post he addresses the importance of Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states:

  1. Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
     
  2. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
     
  3. Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Konrad’s post was a moving one.  In it, he cites statistics that there were 68 million elementary-age students worldwide who were not in school in 2008.  I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made over the years to reach across international borders (and in many times state and local boundaries) to provide an exceptional education to kids who need it – and have the right to it – regardless of their social or economic backgrounds.

Progress in technology, pedagogy, and school reform allow us to serve students regardless of who they are or where they live.  But this progress requires people – parents, students, and educators alike – to continue.  As Konrad reminds us in his post, there’s still work to be done.  But I do feel like we’re making great strides.

Source: http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/