Education Programmes

Education is a fundamental element in the ability of children to meet their developmental potential. It promotes their mental, physical and psychosocial health, and offers a sense of normalcy, even in times of conflict. Schools are ideal for encouraging awareness of issues which place children at risk and increase the likelihood of child separation, such as HIV/AIDS prevention and child abuse.

Teachers themselves can help identify instances of abuse and neglect, and refer families to services that can help prevent family separation. Such awareness raising activities should also complement wider community work projects, in order to maximise their impact.

The type of curriculum and provision should be determined according to the cultural norms, needs of the children, and the available resources. These may vary considerably; for example children who support others and are required to work will need flexible hours for classes or vocational training, while those in a conflict affected area may require full-time education with an emphasis on psychosocial activities.

The literature in this section includes basic education and vocational programmes for children in low resource settings.

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All Our Children: Human Rights and Children of the Street

Jonathon Rose, 2002

Brief article arguing for doctors to take a lead role in caring for children on the street. Suggests that physicians could provide direct patient care, advocacy for children's rights, and leadership for reform at the community and national level.

Foundations: Working with Children: Resource Pack

Action for the Rights of Children, 2001

Resource pack for a course introducing the skills necessary for communicating with children. Includes facilitator’s notes, exercises, and handouts, as well as a list of relevant resources.

Who Will Teach Me To Learn? Creating Positive School Experiences for Youth in Care

Martha Kirby, 2001

Research project examining the problems faced in the education of youth in care in Canada. Provides recommendations for supporting high school education and for including children in their educational planning.

Child Needs Assessment Tool Kit

N/A, 2001

A comprehensive tool kit providing a methodology, questionnaire and software for assessing the needs of young children affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Used to help design of service programs, secure funding, and monitor and evaluate programs specifically targeting the needs of young children and their families.

The Impact of the Bolivian SOS Social Centers

Nancy Ardaya Salinas, 2000

Extensive report on the institutional- and family-level impacts of SOS Social Centers in Bolivia. Includes recommendations and lessons learned.

Finding a Way Forward: Principles and Strategies to Reduce the Impacts of AIDS on Children and Families

John Williamson, 2000

Provides a multi-level approach for the analysis and development of context-specific interventions in communities affected by HIV/AIDS epidemic. Includes discussion of microfinance services, and highlights several community-based programs.

Education in Emergencies and for Reconstruction: A Developmental Approach

Mary Joy Pigozzi, 1999

Outlines strategies for responding to education needs in communities affected by crisis or chronic instability. Includes a summary of UNICEF’s approach, some practical information on implementation, and an identification of areas where more work is needed.

Keeping Families Together, a short film by One Sky Foundation

One Sky Foundation,

In this video, One Sky Foundation describes its work to strengthen families and keep children out of children's homes in the Thai-Burma border district of Sangkhlaburi.

Ecosystems of Educational Disadvantage: Supporting Children and Young People receiving Child Protection and Welfare Services in Ireland

Susan Flynn - Social Work and Social Sciences Review,

Theoretically-informed focused commentary on the literature in this paper considers the position of children and young people as embedded within socio-ecological systems. The specific focus is on the educational disadvantage of children and young people susceptible to involvement from child protection and welfare services in the Republic of Ireland.

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