Access to Education and Development
Bangladesh, which ratified the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in August 1990, has committed itself to respect, defend, and promote the rights of Bangladeshi children. Yet, despite its promise, the country faces serious problems (ineffective services, inadequate rules of law, etc.) that are currently hindering children from accessing the full enjoyment of their rights.
A major obstacle to achieve livelihood security in Bangladesh is illiteracy. Although Bangladesh has achieved much in education in the past decades, remote and under-served communities still lack schools. TCM Foundation is committed to enabling children to achieve their full potential and ensure their overall well-being, which can only be achieved in a protective and conducive environment. One of TCM Foundation’s key strengths is its close and long-term collaboration with communities and bringing communities together to drive long-term change. This has helped us gain important insights into how to strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms and how to link them effectively to government mechanisms.
Through our pre-primary and primary education centers, we are ensuring children access to education, their participation and resilience to handle situation around them which is in most cases not favorable to them. TCM Shishu Neer improves access to and quality of basic education. Participation of children, school management committees, parents, teachers and other community stake holders have become integral part ensuring quality education in TCM Shishu Neer.
The Right to Education
A fundamental and universal right
Education must be accessible to all children
Education is a human right which ought to be accessible to everyone, without any discrimination. All children must be able to go to school, and thereby benefit from the same opportunities to build a future. Additionally, educational instruction must be equally gratuitous so that children from disadvantaged environments will be able to enjoy their right to an education.
The Right to Intellectual Development
Education consists of a form of learning that is necessary for the development of one’s personality and identity, as well as his physical and intellectual capabilities. Education permits, notably, the transmission of common principles to new generations, and the conservation and perpetuation of social values. It also contributes to the flourishing of individuality through the enhancement of social and professional integration. Education has as its ultimate objective the improvement of a person’s quality of life. It offers to underprivileged adults and children a chance to escape from poverty. It is thus an essential tool for the economic, social and cultural development of all populations around the world.
The Right to Participate
In Bangladesh, children rarely have the possibility to express their opinions and to participate in decisions taken at home, at school, etc. Likewise, in legal and administrative proceedings, youth are rarely heard. They don’t take part in decisions concerning them. Consequently, progress in the area of participation must be undertaken.
