2005 2 The Big Book 2005 EDUCATE TO END POVERTY

Dedicated to Justice Egware.

Justice Egware, Policy Advisor of the Nigerian Education Coalition (CSACEFA), was killed in an airplane crash on 22 October 2005. His tireless championing of the right to education will continue to inspire campaigners long into the future.

www.campaignforeducation.org

Global Campaign for Education PO Box 521733, Saxonwold, Johannesburg 2132, South Africa CONTENTS Global Action Week 2005 6 Action Against Poverty - 2005 8 The 2005 Journey of the Friends 10 Outcomes of 2005 12 Teachers Needed 2006 13 Africa and the Middle East 14 Americas 34 Asia and Oceania 42 Europe 50 Taking Part 60 Glossary 69

4 The Big Book 2005

I am delighted to welcome you to the GCE Big Book 2005, showing how children, NGOs, unions, teachers, activists, and parents have taken Global Action Week from strength to strength. Supported by UN agencies such as UNESCO, UNICEF and UNAIDS, as well as the UN Millennium Campaign, Action Week has once again demonstrated how powerful we can be when we raise our voices together.

This year, our campaign has mobilised over fi ve million people in more than 115 countries to take part in the Send My Friend to School challenge. Their eff orts have produced three and a half million messages written on cut-out fi gures representing children out of school. Dubbed “friends”, these fi gures address personal messages to world leaders to demand that the 100 million children out of school do not have to wait at the school gates any longer. Throughout the year, the “friends” have been on an incredible journey, featuring in marches, exhibitions, rallies and meetings with Heads of State and other powerful individuals. This book documents that journey and the hundreds of supporting events that education coalitions, often with little money and limited human resources, have put on to ensure that Education For All is a priority issue for leaders of rich and poor countries alike.

GCE exists to mobilise public pressure and political will so that governments and international institutions fulfi l their obligations to provide free, quality public education to all people. 2005 was a special year for us. Five years ago, on a balmy September day, world leaders set themselves ambitious goals for ending world poverty. One target was set ahead of the others – to get equal numbers of girls as boys into school – and it fell due in 2005. Tragically the target has been missed. Over the coming year, we will not let up on our demand for urgent action to redress this wrong, and ensure that the goal of having all children complete a primary education of good quality by 2015 is given the highest priority. There is not a moment to lose; every day that children are denied an education leaves them in ignorance, in poverty and suff ering the bondage of child labour.

Yet the year has shown that progress is possible. At the G8 and Millennium +5 summits, the world’s commitment to free and universal education of good quality was reaffi rmed. The global mechanism for increasing aid to countries with good education plans, the Education For All Fast-Track Initiative, received warm endorsement at these events. And some progress was made towards increasing overall aid levels and cancelling the unpayable debts of poor countries. As development campaigners, however, we know that much more needs to be done.

So we are hugely grateful for the eff orts of all who have made this possible and we look forward to building on our previous achievements year on year, until the scandal of illiteracy and ignorance is fi nally banished from our world.

Kailash Satyarthi, President, Global Campaign for Education

5 Global Action Week 2005

GCE’s Global Action Week is truly one of a kind. Every year it unites trade unions, NGOs, UN agencies, parents, children and teachers from all over the world, giving voice to the universal concern about an indivisible human right – the right of all to be educated. Our member coalitions in over 100 countries come together to insist

that the right to education be realised for all people – old and young, rich and poor, Matthews Photo: Jenny L’éducation renforce l’autonomie “L’éducation est l’arme la plus puissante Avec une seule année de scolarité, une femme peut voir son salaire augmenter de 10 à 20%. pour changer le monde.” regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexuality and ability. L’éducation sauve des vies Nelson Mandela En donnant àchaque enfant une éducation primaire, on éviterait 7 millions Demandez aux dirigeants mondiaux de mettre finà l’illettrisme, et la de nouveaux cas de HIV/sida pendant les dix prochaines années. pauvreté ne sera plus que de l’histoire ancienne. L’éducation construit le futur Semaine mondiale d’Action 2005 de la CME Les enfants nés d’unemère alphabétisée ont 50% de chances www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek supplémentaires de survivre après l’âge deinq c ans.

Every day, 100 million children are denied across the world are united by a theme and campaign their right to an education, and almost action. Yet, each national campaign is unique. Groups a billion adults live out their lives in the come up with creative methods to get their messages to poverty created by illiteracy and ignorance. politicians, including plays, human chains, marches and Yet this situation can be rectifi ed, with the art exhibitions. right policies and enough money; we just GCE’s Action Weeks are supported by the UN agencies; need the political will and commitment. including the ILO, UNESCO and UNICEF, who encourage Global Action Week commemorates the ministries of education around the world to be involved. 2000 Dakar Declaration on Education For Presidents, prime ministers, celebrities and artists have All, where world leaders pledged that the all taken part and the media have responded – covering new Millennium would be a new start the story of Action Week in papers as diverse as the in enabling this most fundamental of Bangladeshi Times and the Akron Tribune. But Global rights. Governments promised to plan Action Week is only made possible by the thousands of ambitiously to meet the educational civil society organisations, schools, literacy groups and needs of all, and rich countries child rights campaigners who selfl essly give their time guaranteed that they would fund those and energy to make it a resounding success. plans. Global Action Week reminds the In 2003, over two million people in 70 countries took leaders of those hard-won promises part in a world record-breaking “Girls Education: The and compels them to live up to their Biggest Lesson”. At the UN headquarters, UN Secretary- words. General Kofi Annan, Mrs Nane Annan and singer

Every year the Global Action Week Angelique Kidjo teamed up to teach the “Biggest Lesson”. Photo: Rhodri Jones / Oxfam / Jones Rhodri Photo: has expanded, this year mobilising In the Gambia, VIPs sat in attendance to the lesson being n most powerful weapo an impressive fi ve million people given by the daughter of a peanut-seller. Similar scenes “Education is thee to change the world.” n’s wages by 10-20%. that you can us drawn together with a sense of were repeated all over the world, as two million people Education empowersing can increase wome A single year of school Nelson Mandela erty history s to end illiteracy, and make pov common purpose and urgency engaged in “Girls Education. The Biggest Lesson”. Education saves lives n the next decade Tell world leader HIV/AIDS could be prevented i ionWeek 2005 7 million cases of CEGlobal Act of our mission. Campaigners if every child received an education. G www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek Education builds the future Children born to literate mothers are 50% more likely to survive five. past the age of 6 Photo: Crispin Zeeman Photo: Crispin Photo: Crispin Hughes Photo: Crispin Photo: Annie Bungeroth Photo: Annie Photo: Annie Bungeroth Photo: Annie Photo: ?????????? L’éducation renforce l’autonomie Education empowers La Educación capacita Education empowers “Education is the most powerful weapon Education empowers “Education is the most powerful weapon “L’éducation est l’arme la plus puissante “Education is the most powerful weapon “La educación es el arma más poderosa A single year of schooling can increase women’s wages by 10-20%. A single year of schooling can increase women’s wages by 10-20%. Avec une seule année de scolarité, une femme peut voir son salaire A single year of schooling can increase women’s wages by 10-20%. that you can use to change the world.” Un año de escolarización puede incrementar lossalarios de las mujeres que tenemos para cambiar el mundo.” that you can use to change the world.” that you can use to change the world.” augmenter de 10 à 20%. pour changer le monde.” en un 10-20%. Education saves lives Education saves lives Education saves lives Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela La Educación salva vidas Nelson Mandela 7 million cases of HIV/AIDS could be prevented in the next decade 7 million cases of HIV/AIDS could be prevented in the next decade L’éducation sauve des vies 7 million cases of HIV/AIDS could be prevented in the next decade En donnant àchaque enfant une éducation primaire, on éviterait 7 millions Tell world leaders to end illiteracy, and make poverty history Se podría evitar 7 millones de infecciones por H/SIDAel VI en la próxima Pida a los mandatarios mundiales que acaben con el analfabetismo y if every child received an education. Tell world leaders to end illiteracy, and make poverty history if every child received an education. Tell world leaders to end illiteracy, and make poverty history Demandez aux dirigeants mondiaux de mettre finà l’illettrisme, et la if every child received an education. de nouveaux cas de HIV/sida pendant les dix prochaines années. pauvreté ne sera plus que de l’histoire ancienne. década, si todos los niños y niñas recibieran una educación básica. que conviertan la pobreza en una historia del pasado. Education builds the future GCEGlobal ActionWeek 2005 Education builds the future GCEGlobal ActionWeek 2005 Education builds the future GCEGlobal ActionWeek 2005 Semana de Acción Mundial 2005 de la CME L’éducation construit le futur Semaine mondiale d’Action 2005 de la CME La Educación construye un futuro Children born to literate mothers are 50% more likely to survive www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek Children born to literate mothers are 50% more likely to survive www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek Children born to literate mothers are 50% more likely to survive www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek Los hijos e hijas de mujeres con estudios tienen un 50%s de má www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek past the age of five. past the age of five. Les enfants nés d’unemère alphabétisée ont 50% de chances past the age of five. posibilidades de sobrevivir tras los primeros cinco añosde vida. supplémentaires de survivre après l’âge deinq c ans.

2004 saw two million people united as they targeted and demanding that all children should have the chance in each country – in the Philippines, they were made heads of state, dignitaries, and offi cials, with letters, to go to school. During Action Week, politicians were into kites and fl own through the streets; in Bangladesh, debates, and face-to-face meetings in the “World’s confronted by these cut-out “friends” and asked to sign the sails of small boats featured messages to “Send My Biggest Ever Lobby”. In some countries, children were a pledge to take a specifi c action during 2005 to send Friend to School”; and in Brazil, giant, life-sized “friends” able to take over the national legislature or parliament for these “friends” – and all children – to school. And in many were designed like carnival puppets. In India, a protest the day, MPs and dignitaries went “Back to School” and countries, “friends” were collected together in huge marathon ran for education, and in Paris, 24 artists’ were presented with facts and evidence of why children numbers to deliver to important political events that “friends” were exhibited at UNESCO headquarters. cannot go to school. aff ected the chances of children going to school.

In 2005, GCE mobilised unprecedented public pressure Building on the success of 2004’s Big Lobby, this year’s on governments and the international community, Action Week saw politicians and offi cials fl ooding into demanding that they fulfi l their obligations to provide school rooms where they were presented with “friends” free, quality education for all people and that they and saw the reality of life at the chalkface. Children Educate to End Poverty. Around the globe, from 25-30 voiced issues that adults fear to mention; in one rich April, millions of campaigners, child rights activists and country a boy asked, “Why do you spend so much on war teachers took to the streets, descended on parliament when you could spend it on educating poor people?” buildings, and brought politicians back to school, In some countries they showed maps that highlighted carrying with them a distinctive tribute to the children those less lucky than themselves and questioned the lack around the world who are left behind by education of action to bring them all into the school gates. Over systems. 3,000 parliamentarians and 25 Heads of State went “back to school” and many made pledges and promises to bring The Send My Friend to School challenge invited about change in education in their countries. global campaigners, old and young, to make a simple cardboard cut-out fi gure, each one representing a child And GCE campaigners didn’t stop there. A host of out of school. Dubbed “friends”, these cut-outs were animated and attention-grabbing activities took place in decorated with drawings and frequently enhanced with capitals, towns and villages all across the world. Marches, colours, beads, fabric and wool. On each, the maker rallies, debates and dramas all created an impact that wrote a message to world leaders, imploring, pleading will be felt for years to come. “Friends” were adapted

7 Action Against Poverty - 2005

2005 was a special year. A unique set of opportunities for advocacy on international development came together. Early in the year, the Commission For Africa and Jeffrey Sachs’ Millennium Project both issued infl uential reports that focused on tackling poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In July, the UK hosted the G8 Summit, which determined that Africa would be a major agenda item. In September, world leaders met to review progress since the Millennium Declaration. And December saw the World Trade Organisation Ministerial meeting. Campaigners have come together as never before, GCE members have also worked hard to keep education wearing white bands, rallying around a set of key high on the agenda for these crucial policy milestones, messages that demand a historic shift in the relationship making Action Week the centrepiece of a range of between rich and poor countries under the banner of campaigning activities right through the calendar year. GCAP (the Global Call to Action against Poverty). GCE The Send My Friend to School challenge exceeded all has actively supported GCAP’s call for trade justice, more expectations producing a staggering three and a half and better aid, and debt cancellation. In many countries, million “friends”. GCE members made sure that these GCE coalitions led the “friends” were a colourful and moving presence at development of dramatic campaign events and lobbying moments throughout the anti-poverty actions on year. what have been termed Several countries called the cut-outs “buddies” and “White Band Days”. On set up hotels where children could send them, before these days, campaigners mass deliveries to world dignitaries. Not all “friends” across the globe united were physical cut-outs. Campaigning took another in simple, yet eff ective dimension, as those with access to the internet set actions to send a loud about making virtual “friends” and “buddies”. Interactive and clear message tools allowed campaigners to work to world leaders in English, French, that we will tolerate Spanish, Dutch the injustice of global poverty no more. or German. An overwhelming half a million “friends” were made on-line.

8 “Behind each and every “friend” there are two real children - the child in school who is making the “friend” and writing their message and the child that the “friend” represents, who never had the opportunity to go to school.” Olafur Eliasson, Danish Artist

9 The 2005 journey of the “friends”

7 FEBRUARY 25-30 APRIL 16 JUNE The “friends” journey began, in London’s Trafalgar Square, Global Action Week saw the campaign grow to full The Day of the African Child signifi ed the launch of where a group of school students met Nelson Mandela at strength, as presidents, prime ministers and education the White Band in Africa. In 18 countries around the a rally organised by the Make Poverty History campaign ministers in dozens of countries were presented with world GCE and GCAP joined hands to hold high-profi le (the UK GCAP coalition). They told a 10,000 strong crowd “friends”. An unprecedented fi ve million people were “send-off ” events to launch the “friends” on their that they were expecting world leaders to take action to involved, creating “friends” in their classrooms, learning journey to July’s G8 meeting in Scotland. In the United “Send Their Friends to School” and handed over “friends” centres, under trees and in government offi ces and States, children from all over the country travelled to the man South Africans call Madiba. handing them over in impressive numbers during to Washington DC where they met with congress- marches, rallies and celebrations. people and the media. In the Ivory Coast, children and campaigners gathered at the airport where they staged a “send-off ” of friends from the runway. And in London, On meeting Nane Annan, Kimani N’ganga (85 year old Kenya primary school student) said : fi fteen thousand “friends” were displayed with a specially “To me, liberty means education… commissioned piece by the world famous artist Olafur Eliasson. You are never too old to learn.”

10 1 JULY 13 SEPTEMBER

As the fi nal preparations were being made for the G8 Following the G8 Summit the “friends” got a brief rest advocate of the right to an education. He went meeting and with emotions running high in the UK before booking themselves on the fl ight to New York, to school for the fi rst time when Kenya dropped capital, Prime Minister Tony Blair received children at where campaigners prepared to hand them over to primary school user fees in 2004. Having toured New 10 Downing Street. They presented him with boxes of world leaders meeting to discuss progress towards the York City’s landmarks, the bus fi nally arrived at the “friends” from all over the world. He agreed to read out achievement of the Millennium Development Goals Dag Hammerskjold Plaza at the UN – where the UN the GCE lobby letter at the G8 Summit (6-8 July) and (14-16 September). This time the “friends” travelled in Millennium Campaign ensured a rousing reception. The said that he would pass on the “friends” to the leaders. a symbolic school bus, undertaking a journey around “friends” bus was received by Nane Annan, spouse of UN In Edinburgh, “friends” featured in many aspects of the New York before fi nishing outside the UN headquarters. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who chatted at length civil society mobilisations – teacher unions and activists Kumi Naidoo, Chair of GCAP, and Rasheda Choudhury of with Kimani, Kailash Satyarthi, President of GCE, and carried them during the White Band march on July 2nd, CAMPE, Bangladesh gave stirring speeches at the foot child activists from the US, India and Peru. The former and they featured strongly in meetings with G8 spouses of Manhattan Island, with the Statue of Liberty in the child labourers, sponsored by the Global March on Child and Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland. And on background, they entrusted the “friends” to a remarkable Labour, spoke movingly of their joy at leaving behind the eve of the Summit, children holding “friends” gave a man, Kimani N’ganga. At 85 years old, Kimani is the bondage and getting the education they dreamed of. moving speech at the fi nal “Live8’” concert. oldest school pupil in the world and a vociferous

11 Outcomes of 2005

Outcome of the G8 Summit Outcome of the Millennium ‘If world leaders won’t even The hard work of campaigners has paid off in part, +5 World Summit wake up to the failure to meet although much more still needs to be done to truly tackle Following hard on the heels of the G8 Summit, this target, what hope is there global poverty. G8 leaders promised an extra $48bn campaigners’ hopes were originally high that it would be for all the other MDGs?’ a year in aid to poor countries by 2010, half of which an opportunity for world leaders to spell out real action – $25bn by 2010 – will go to Africa. Additionally, at least on aid, trade, debt and poverty reduction strategies. GCE Rasheda Choudhury (GCE and CAMPE) asked at the launch 18 countries (and potentially up to 27) will receive full called for: of the “friends” tour of New York. cancellation of their debts to multilateral institutions. On trade, the lack of any real progress was greeted with k Acknowledgement of the failure to achieve the 2005 Lobbying and campaigning yielded some benefi ts, dismay by activists. Policy analysts also criticised the MDG target of achieving gender parity in primary however. Early drafts of the outcome document made scale and timing of the commitments on aid and debt, and secondary education, and implementation of an no reference at all to education. Following sustained pointing out that they fell far short of the agenda set out urgent action plan to get the world back on track to pressure, the fi nal version at least included a couple of by the Commission for Africa and the demands of GCAP. achieve gender equality in education. paragraphs, reaffi rming the Dakar Framework for Action and the importance of Education For All. There is an Nevertheless, new aid money could be a welcome boost Expansion of the FTI, and translating the k explicit commitment to “free and compulsory primary to the achievement of Education For All, as long as it endorsement contained in the G8 communiqué into education of good quality”. There is also a commitment is targeted towards low-income countries’ eff orts to fi rm fi nancial commitments. to mobilise “enhanced resources of all types through the expand and improve basic education. Whilst specifi c aid Commitment by Southern governments to Education For All Fast-Track Initiative”. In the section on commitments to education were notably absent from k implement specifi c policy changes that are a gender equality and empowerment of women, there is a the G8 communiqué, the GCE welcomed the reaffi rmed precondition to achieving Education For All. pledge to “eliminate gender inequalities in primary and commitment to “free and compulsory primary education secondary education by the earliest possible date and at of good quality”. We also noted, with satisfaction, that There was great disappointment by the failure of the all educational levels by 2015”. the Education For All Fast-Track Intiative (FTI) received Summit to acknowledge the fact that over 90 countries a far stronger endorsment than in any previous G8 have failed to meet the MDG target of getting equal meeting: “Our aim is that every FTI-elected country will numbers of girls as boys into school. This is not only a develop the capacity and have the resources necessary to tragedy for those left behind, but a signal of the poor implement their sustainable education strategies.” health of the MDG project in general.

12 National outcomes Next steps 2006 - Teachers Needed Global Action Week is not just about infl uencing So, after a year of hard campaigning, a mixed picture Building on the huge success of previous Global Action international events; it is also crucial for pressurising has emerged. While the milestone events of 2005 have Weeks, GCE will continue to push for quality education national governments in both rich and poor countries not lived up to our expectations, they have nevertheless for all. The week 24-30 April 2006, will once again unite to make changes that will make a real diff erence. In coaxed some concessions out of rich countries. And worldwide campaigners as they call, “Every Child Needs dozens of countries, heads of state, fi nance ministers, although we remain far away from realising the whole a Teacher”. education ministers and development ministers vowed Education For All package, the importance of education, their continued support to the Education For All goals, and especially girls’ education, has been recognised as There are far from enough teachers to enable all children meaning that promises made in 2000 will not be never before. There are growing signs that donors such to be educated. UNESCO estimates that more than 15 forgotten. as the UK, France and Canada are considering dramatic million teachers are needed for all children to receive increases in aid to education. More and more poor a basic education. Not only is it crucial that children More importantly, Action Week also elicited specifi c countries are gearing up to expand their education are able to enter the school gates, but also, once they undertakings from leaders. Budget increases for systems. And at the recent World Bank/IMF Annual are sitting in the classroom, that they are taught by education were promised in the Ivory Coast, Democratic Meetings, President Paul Wolfowitz said, “We will need to a qualifi ed teacher. In many cases, schools have no Republic of Congo and Niger (though Niger’s Prime raise at least $2.5 billion per year to fulfi l the dreams of alternative than to teach classes of more than 100 Minister was quick to point out that rich countries thousands of school children eager for a brighter future.” students. Without more teachers, the world stands no must also play their part in funding EFA). Nepal’s Action chance of meeting the EFA and MDG goals. Week was used as the occasion to launch a major As 2005 draws to a close, “friends” have stopped criss- drive to enroll children in school. In nearby Pakistan, crossing the globe, but they will go on to feature in a In 2006, campaigners of all ages, will put together the the Provincial Government of Punjab introduced free variety of national-level campaign actions with GCE and “Case for Teachers”. They will collect evidence and hear books and stipends for girl students, and promised to GCAP over the remaining months of the year. We must testimonies, and will present their cases to government improve school infrastructure in 64,000 schools. Leaders now look forward to 2006. ministers. Once again offi cials will return “Back to School” in Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Burundi, gave and witness the need for teachers. As a result of many assurances that school fees would no longer be charged activities national attention will turn to each country’s – and in Burundi that promise has already been fulfi lled. “Big Hearing”, which will argue the strong case for many The government of the Philippines undertook to employ more qualifi ed teachers. more teachers, and Mali, Mozambique and Egypt all agreed to build more schools and classrooms. Find out more about the campaign and how Some rich country governments also gave new you can be involved by visiting: pledges and undertakings. In Ireland, the government announced its intention to give 0.7% of GNP by 2012, www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek with a corresponding increase in aid to education. And or emailing: in Canada and Spain, small but signifi cant amounts were [email protected] promised to help poor countries get their education plans off the ground.

13 Africa & Middle East A-C Africa & Middle East

From Swaziland to Sudan, and Senegal to Syria, campaigners united, sang, marched, painted and worked hard to pull off stunning, headline-grabbing events.

Moving songs from Youssou N’Dour and Baba Maal kicked Senegal’s Photo: Jenny Matthews L’éducation renforce l’autonomie “L’éducation est l’arme la plus puissante Avec une seule annéede scolarité, une femme peut voir son salaire augmenter de 10 à0%. 2 pour changer le monde.” campaign into gear, as similar events echoed across Africa and the Middle L’éducation sauve des vies Nelson Mandela En donnant à chaque enfant une éducation primaire, on éviterait 7 millions Demandez aux dirigeants mondiaux de mettre àfin l’illettrisme, et la de nouveaux cas de HIV/sida pendant les dix prochaines années. pauvreté ne sera plusque de l’histoire ancienne. East launching GCE’s Global Action Week. In fact more countries than ever L’éducation construit le futur Semaine mondiale d’Action 2005 de la CME Les enfants nés d’une mère alphabétisée ont 50% de chances www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek supplémentaires de survivre après l’âge decinq ans. before, especially in the Middle East, took part in 2005’s Global Week of Action.

The presidents of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger united in a one-off meeting to hear the demands of GCE campaigners and re-commit to the Education for All Goals on broadcast television. Gambia’s “friends” were made of broomsticks and the Ivory Coast made the most – two million “friends”. As you will read, each country’s campaign was unique. All this imagination and hard work brought education right into the minds of the public and policy makers. A young campaigner in Kenya could not have put it better, saying: “My friends who are out-of-school will be thought about this time.”

14 Africa & Middle East A-C

15 Africa & Middle East b-C

Benin Burkina Faso and Ouahigouya. The Second Vice President received “friends” that campaigners had proudly carried on their Campaigners in Benin marched to parliament with their Burkina Faso has a long way to go until every child can parade through the capital city, Ouagadougou. And after 1,000 “friends” in hand, following which they were invited go to school – only 35% of boys and 29% of girls the success of 2004’s campaign activity, 100 politicians to a meeting with senators to discuss the state of are currently enrolled in primary school. The and the Canadian Ambassador returned “back to school”. education in Benin. Throughout the Global Action strong desire to right this wrong was refl ected Sitting in the classroom, politicians had fi rst-hand Week, campaigners also successfully managed to during the Global Action Week, as young and experience of some of the problems that plague schools: get 100 politicians “back to school”. old campaigners came out in force to demand overcrowding, dilapidated buildings, and a lack of safe that all children should go to school. Their drinking water and toilets. campaigning activities included making “friends”, marching to parliament, and meeting government and education authorities in 44 provinces. Their actions were covered in the print and broadcast media and aired on over 15 channels.

A major highlight was a meeting between President Blaise Compaoré and heads of state of Mali and Niger, when Compaoré signed his name on a messaged “friend” that stated, “To promote women’s literacy is to fi ght infant mortality and AIDS.” Politicians and dignitaries continued their support, with a special meeting of government offi cials on girls’ education, and lively discussions about the limitations of the education system and how to achieve quality education in Ouagadougou

16 Africa & Middle East b-C

Burundi Cameroon Chad Burundi’s GCE coalition, Bafashebige, staged a beautiful, Cameroon’s campaign focused on the importance of During the Global Action Week, children pleaded for colourful campaign in 2005 which centred on cut-out quality education, especially for girls, and the importance their out-of-school friends to be given an education. 32 “friends” made by the country’s child campaigners. of making progress in 2005, when the world is watching primary and secondary schools in Djaména, Massaguet Activities include a “friends” visit to parliament and a Africa. The week was kick-started by the Prime Minister, and Mandelia took part, with school pupils writing stunning exhibition at the French Cultural Centre. Many who pledged to educate to end poverty at an exciting messages, acting out plays and songs about education of the cut-outs depicted the out-of-school “friends” as opening ceremony. The event was attended by several and schooling. Over 300 children wrote personal letters child soldiers, refl ecting a particularly poignant issue in a ministers, including those for education, youth and to the President, many of which depicted the lives of their country that has so recently been at war. Others depicted women, and social aff airs. Throughout the week, events friends who have been excluded from schools, nomadic street children and domestic servants, further realities and discussions were held in Yaounde, Bamenda and children, disabled children and girls. that need to be tackled. Bertoua which were covered through the newspapers, radio and television stations. What was remarkable was A public demonstration took place, where more than An open discussion forum debated the need for children the extent to which offi cials listened to the demands of 1,500 people came together to voice their demands to go back to school and the expenses that prohibited the children. directly to Chad’s politicians. Politicians also visited those living in poverty from getting an education. schools and signed pledges of their commitment to UNESCO, ActionAid, the Inspector General of Teaching The week climaxed with the Minister of Basic Education, providing education for all children and literacy training and the National EFA Co-ordinator of EFA plans all voiced announcing the government’s decision to remove for adults. their opinions in a forum that was aired on four radio primary school user-fees. She thanked GCE for all the channels. Following the pressure campaigners put on work that goes into the campaign and for reminding the Burundi government during the action, primary the world of promises made to educate every child. school user-fees were dropped later in 2005. She described the Global Action Week as a positive framework of international exchanges, through which Education for All could be achieved.

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Congo Democratic Republic of Djibouti Over 9,000 “friends” were made by children campaigning Congo (DRC) Public rallies championing Education For All, were held throughout the country, and sent to leaders asking them DRC’s Vice President Arthur Z’Ahidi Ngoma launched across the region and included schools and community to take more action and “Educate to End Poverty”. the Global Action Week when he met with the members. Children marched to parliament with strong campaign organisers to discuss the campaign and messages for education. They sported GCE t-shirts, state of education in the DRC. He made a strong banners, posters and leafl ets that increased awareness point of underlining the need for strong investment about the need for Education for All. These helped secure in the teaching profession. 5,000 people, including radio, television and newspaper coverage. government offi cials, civil society and union members, school students and out-of-school children, teachers and A cross-section of the community took the public attended the launch. Campaigners questioned part in panel discussions on the need for offi cials about the DRC’s policy in terms of increasing quality education for all and children the education budget, enrolling more girls into schools, and parliamentarians went “back to building new teacher training centres and developing a school” in both urban and rural areas. national action plan for education. These demands were Djibouti’s campaign was unique based on a bigger challenge – to meet the Millennium in having a day that celebrated Development Goals. books, reading and writing. Students that showed the President Joseph Kabila personally listened to the most interest in reading views of more than 750 children during a children’s and satisfying their lobby that was televised in the world’s media. Their thirst for knowledge demands for a free quality education for all children were awarded t-shirts. were met by pledges to increase the education budget and a donation of 100 school benches to the school that hosted the children’s lobby. Politicians, including the Minister of Education continued to go “back to school” throughout the week.

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“We are convinced that education is the key to success, that education helps you to be, to do, to live and to earn a living. Education is strongly associated with better health and nutrition, improved hygiene, higher child survival rates, positive health-seeking behaviours, poverty reduction and the fi ght against HIV/AIDS. Education is the key to the process of human-centred development. Lack of education and poor education undermine all development efforts. That is why the theme for this year is Educate to End Poverty.”

EFA Gambia National Chairperson, Adelaide Sosseh at the Global Action Week Pledge Event on 7 May 2005

Egypt Ethiopia Gambia Children from over 430 schools in Egypt displayed a vast The Global Action Week took place in six regions of The Global Action Week started with prayers in mosques 10,000 personally-made “friends”. Addressing offi cials, Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromiya, Afar, Diredawa and churches all across the country. The week continued children told the stories of their out-of-school friends and and the South. 200 schools and more than 5,000 to unite people through pledge events and presentations asked for more schools to be built so that all children, students were involved in making 3,750 “friends”. GCE of children’s “friends”. Gambia’s “friends” were truly especially girls, would be given an equal chance of campaigners talked to offi cials and marched through unique, made with broomsticks and other materials. The going to school. “Friends” were then signed by various Ethiopian cities wearing “Educate to End Poverty” broomsticks signifi ed many factors that keep children out government offi cials and celebrities who went “back and “Send My Friend to School” t-shirts. There was of school – they have to work or help at home, they lack to school”, including the Deputy Minister of Education, support for the campaign across the country. Even the money to pay school expenses, the distance to school Amin Abou Bakr. They learnt important lessons about the presidential palace opened its doors to child is too far or they are discriminated against because of how schools can better meet the needs of girls. Progress campaigners. Children came from Addis Ababa and disabilities. Girls, who have particular diffi culties in in expanded education was also made – in Sohag, the Oromiya to personally question President Girma Wolde- getting an education, were represented by broomsticks government gave consent to building fi ve new “girl- Giorgis about education. painted red. Across the country, 3,000 children and 140 friendly” schools and in Beni Souif, NGOs were supported formal schools, madrassas and other learning centres to train teachers and renovate schools to better meet the The Ethiopia coalition did not stop work at the Global took part in the campaign. The Minister of Education, needs of girls. Another 200 “girl-friendly” schools will also Action Week. Colourful celebrations on 16 June took along with many other regional and national education be built in Beheira, Fayoum, Minya and Assyut. place in Diredawa, Ziway and Dukem, when out-of- offi cials, attended the Action Week’s events and signed school children, orphans, political leaders and elders pledges. “Friends” were received by the Gambian once again assembled. The popular children’s television President, Yaya AJJ Jammeh, too, before continuing their presenter, Ato Tesfaye Sahilu, presented the day’s events. journey onto the G8 Summit and the UN World Summit. The presentation of children’s “friends” to embassies of the G8 wealthy nations was subsequently covered on national radio and television.

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Ghana Guinea Guinea Bissau Vice President Mahama, launched the Global Action Week The celebrations of Guinea National Education Day Guinea Bissau held a successful “Send My Friend in a deprived fi shing area, where many children are out of on 28 April were the highlight of the Action Week. to School” week. National politicians and offi cials school. Events then rolled out all across the country. 730 Approximately 600 children from several schools, civil engaged in the campaign and returned “back to school”. cut-out “friends” were made in 12 districts, each depicting society members and NGOs assembled to hear speeches Campaigners asked them to allocate more resources for a personal friend who was not in school, giving reasons and traditional music. The ACEEF co-ordinator, Innocent education, so that all children could go to school and the why and signed by the maker. Children also made out-of- Kokou Abresse, stressed the importance of education Millennium Development Goals could be realised. school maps that illustrated local areas where over 50% for society’s development, citing the African historian of children are absent from the classroom. In Northern who said “educate or perish” and re-emphasising the Ghana, parliamentarians, directors of education, regional Millennium Development Goal promises to give all ministers, NGOs, community groups and schools all came children a quality education by 2015. The importance together in regional forums and Global Action Week of the Global Action Week in informing large numbers messages were sent to local mosques and churches. They of children of their rights was announced by Roger continued to show their support, as over 50 politicians Yassy Klonon of the International Labour Organisation. also went “back to school”. He described specifi c projects that have helped get 700 children out of working in the plantations and into Women, children, people with disabilities and teachers schools. The ceremonies continued with questions from all held banners on a march demanding basic quality children, debates and discussions. Beautiful dances education. Specifi c pleas asked for more teachers, and songs added to the clear emotive plea for universal textbooks, infrastructure and scholarship programmes. quality education. Debates on Education to End Poverty were aired in nine languages on over 16 diff erent radio programmes and events were covered on the internet. The week culminated in the mass delivery of “friends” to President Kufuor and regional ministers by a delegation of child campaigners.

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Ivory Coast Iran Jordan An incredible two million “friends” were made in the Ivory With the support of UNESCO, Teheran’s Global Action The Ministry of Education and UNESCO supported Coast. This massive countrywide making of “friends” Week activities focused on information dissemination Jordan’s Global Action Week which focused on getting and their presentation to the Minister of Education and and advocacy among teachers. Materials and resources girls into school. The opening ceremony was attended the President was aired on television. Concerts were on Education for All, and inclusive education were by a diverse mixture of government offi cials, country held, featuring 25 local artists, and calling for education translated into Farsi. Meetings and events were held in ambassadors, UN agencies, media representatives, for excluded children. During the week more than 40 three remote and deprived regions. The aim of the week students, teachers and parents. School students schools were visited by politicians. Other events included was to increase teachers’ understanding of Education presented dramas and songs to the education minister, a national conference and local marches for education. for All, and how best to include everyone from the most Khaled Toukan, who continued to show his support by The result of this amazing week was an announcement deprived areas. going “back to school”, along with other politicians and by senior decision-makers of a commitment to increase offi cials. An art and book exhibition featured art work local education budgets. from children all over the country, calling for quality education. Teaching staff from the associated schools In the run-up to the Day of the project organised local celebrations and discussions on African Child, the remarkable how best to provide education to excluded children. campaign eff orts of Ivory Coast’s children were featured in the Local campaign brochures, posters, and resources were worldwide media. The day was translated into Arabic and used to generate public signifi cant, sending the two million attention. A press conference on the Education for All “friends” on their way, via large goals and Jordan’s education reform programme, and a celebrations at Abidjan’s bus station training workshop, were was also held for news agency and international airport. Large, cut-out journalists. “planes” were also made and deposited with “friends” outside the United States and French embassies, reminding the G8 of their responsibilities to the Ivory Coast.

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“My friends who are out-of-school will be thought about this time.” Child campaigner in Kenya

Kenya government offi cials including, Vice President Moody Lebanon Awori. Two days later, on a non-school day, a major Since Kenya recently dropped school registration fees, children’s fun day took place, when a truck loaded with Children who are excluded from school demanded the children have fl ooded into school in their thousands. But “friends” journeyed across Nairobi from Uhuru Park Lebanon government to “Include Us!” The campaign the cost of books and uniforms are still prohibiting others to Splash Water World, ending with celebrations for built on the global activities and added demands for from going to school, so there is still more to be done children, including sports, dance, songs, acrobatics and students with special needs. Students beautifully crafted until the MDGs and EFA targets are realised. competitions. In similar events throughout the country, and painted 1,800 “friends” that were presented with children were invited to make more “friends” that were painted ”schools” at a children’s art fair in Beirut’s UNESCO The Kenya GCE coalition held a strong campaign then collected in a symbolic send-off to the G8. The Vice Palace. The Global Action Week assembled the Ministry throughout 2005, with public forums, ”friend” making Minister of Education, showed on-going support for GCE, of Social Aff airs, NGOs and UNESCO, and was covered by and public messages about why it is so vital that by attending the fi nal hand-over of “friends” to the UN the local television channels and papers. every child gets an education. They demanded that World Summit. government and community leaders do more to enable street children and child labourers to go to school and fi ght discrimination against girls. The Kenya march was led by a brass band, and carried 3,000 “friends”. Politicians went “back to school” and, in three districts, rallies and communities assembled for bicycle (bodaboda) racing competitions. Music concerts and other activities were organised to sensitise the public and raise the profi le of adult and non-formal education.

The Day of the African Child was launched in a rural school in Nyanza, where a cabinet minister stated the importance of child rights and called for the end of corporal punishment in schools. In Thika (where many children work), 3,000 school and out-of-school children carried their life sized “friends” on their walk to meet

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Message written on a child’s “friend”

Lesotho Liberia Madagascar During the Global Action Week in Lesotho, offi cials, Research carried out in Global Action Week, showed The celebrations that took place during the Global Week church leaders, union members and politicians a shocking 76%, of the 1,725 children surveyed, were of Action in Madagascar provided an opportunity for showed their support by going “back to school” and out of school – more than 50% of whom were girls. excluded children and illiterate adults to have their voices visiting Send My Friend to School activities. The Parents stated the cost of schooling as the main reason heard and express their education-related demands Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, for not being able to send their children to school. through a combination of diff erent mediums: carnivals, Motsoahae Thomas Thabane went back to his very Although Liberia’s revised education law guarantees conferences, round-table discussions and exhibitions. fi rst school, Masianokeng Primary School with the free and compulsory education, it is yet to be enforced. These groups were also joined, backed and supported Union Chairperson. He emphasised the importance of Campaigners paraded through the capital Monrovia by children who attend school, parents, community education and cited examples of the benefi ts individuals to the city hall, demanding immediate change and members and the administrative authorities who are well and communities can reap from a good education. He enforcement of the law. They were aware of the role of education in providing economic asked the primary school children to encourage their addressed by the Minister of Education, and social development for the country. They gathered friends to come to school and study. Other politicians Dr Evelyn Kandakai. Throughout the together with the joint aim of convincing the public and academics visited secondary schools throughout the week, schools and groups debated and offi cials that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure country and the Minister of Education held a seminar on education as a key to eliminating Education for All becomes a reality. GCE’s Educate to End Poverty theme which was attended poverty, while discussions on by the country’s offi cials. Education to End Poverty were The activities were jointly organised by the Ministry for aired on television and radio National Education and Scientifi c Research, the Ministry talk shows. for Population and the Ministry for Youth and Sport alongside other education related partners and NGOs. The whole event was a huge successful group eff ort that showed the strength of everyone working together.

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Malawi Mali The global action week was launched in Nsanje Districte, In Mali, only 38% of boys and 32% of girls are enrolled one of Malawi’s poorest areas, with an illiteracy rate of in primary school. This was highlighted in the making 75%. Colourful performances illustrated why children are of “out-of-school maps” during a ceremony of local not in school. Children were very active in campaigning politicians, and religious and traditional leaders in Intillit. throughout the week, holding a press conference, Dilapidated straw classrooms were the site of school dancing, reciting poems, marching to parliament and visits for the Mayor of Gao, an MP and other offi cials giving speeches to the Minister of Education. Workshops – afterwards, they pledged to re-build classrooms by next were held in Lilongwe to sensitise government offi cials to year. Children were active all week, making thousands the needs for EFA and also with traditional leaders about of “friends” with signed personal messages. They carried the importance of getting girls into school. “Friends” these when marching through towns demanding were given to politicians and were hung on walls and education and during performances on education, trees to remind all of the urgent demands for education. poverty and HIV/AIDS. In Bourem, over 1,000 students gave 10,000 “friends” to the president of the Parents’ Association. Events and debates on EFA and the MDGs were covered in the media and, in the northern nomadic zone of Méneka, girls’ education and poverty was discussed by local school authorities, parents’ association members and illiterate women. The biggest achievement had to be the support of Mali’s President Amadou Toumani Touré who met the heads of state of Burkina Faso and Niger, and signed a “friend” that demanded: “Send My Friend to School in order to eradicate Child Labour.”

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“Girls’ education is the key to ending world poverty. 2005 marks the year that world leaders have broken their promise to get equal numbers of girls and boys into school. I support the Global Campaign for Education’s call to educate girls to end poverty and call on world leaders to respond to calls from children around the world to ‘Send my Friend to School’.” Graca Machel

Mauritania Mozambique Throughout the week, there was positive engagement between civil society organisations, NGOs and education An impressive 2,156 “friends” were collected and all The Global Action Week was launched in a secondary staff . People marched together, wearing GCE t-shirts and were sent to the President, Prime Minister and senior school in Maputo where 2,000 people witnessed holding their “friends” before handing them over to many politicians. Schools and non-formal education centres politicians going “back to school”. There were Mozambican politicians. were involved in giving special lessons and making presentations from NGOs, members of government “friends”. and children. The week continued with many activities across the country, including processions, exhibitions, Morocco competitions, dramas and sports matches. In Nampula alone, more than 5,000 people marched through the city, The National “Educate to End Poverty” campaign, was led by a military band. In Manica, there was a large event active in three regions of Morocco. Events consisted of as children gave a giant “friend” to President Armando speeches, children reading out poems about education, Guebuza, the First Lady and the Minister of Education. testimonies about why they were unable to complete Politicians went back to school – they visited one of schooling, or even attend school due to poverty. the poorest schools on the outskirts of Xai-Xai where Round-table discussions focused on what can be done 2,000 students only have six classrooms. After this trip, to improve the education system and senior politicians politicians and local government offi cials agreed to build signed pledges of commitment. One event saw 500 another three classrooms immediately. children and adults united in Fez, where Elie Jouen, Chair There were many lively debates on education, which of GCE and Secretary General of Education International were aired on the radio and television. Child labour spoke about the promise made by governments at Dakar and child abuse were brought up as problems that that all children will have access to basic education by needed to be resolved in order for all children to go to 2015. A demand was made for better quality education school. In Marracuene, campaigners claimed schools’ to be accessed by all, especially child labourers and lack of resources, and poor infrastructure, coupled with children in rural areas. poverty in the surrounding community are the primary reasons for many children not going to school. Girls are particularly vulnerable, as their education is valued less than boys.

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Namibia Niger re-committing the Niger government to meeting the Education For All goals, whilst also stressing that Niger The Global Action Week was launched simultaneously In Niger, only 34% of all boys and 28% of girls enrol in alone cannot meet the challenges of educating 380,000 in diff erent regions across Namibia. In Opuwu, home primary school. Education campaigners came out in new students each year, and that outside support and of the minority groups, civil society groups, children force, creating a high-profi le campaign which gained the investment is needed. His call was echoed by research and teachers gathered for an organised ceremony and attention of politicians and government offi cials. The carried out by ROSEN that concluded Niger has met address by the UNESCO Windhoek director. In Khomas, Minister of Primary Education and Literacy launched the its fi nancial commitments to education, whilst the another launch ceremony took place at the Van Rhyn Global Action Week at the national stadium in Niamey. international community has fallen short of its promised Primary School. Thousands of children were involved, Live music included a specially-written rap theme song, support. giving performances, and meeting political leaders and presentations from children and speeches. The event decision-makers. Schools came together, including was attended by many dignitaries, including the French some for hearing and visually impaired children. They Ambassador. made “friends” which were attached to 100 balloons and released into the sky as a symbolic act to “Send My Friend A logistical tour de force took place in order to get to School”. The 100 balloons represented the over 100 ministers, local business people, and politicians “back million children that are still out of school. to school” in 36 regions all over Niger. On visiting the schools, offi cials signed Niger’s GCE pledges that asked “The entire UN supports EFA. for a repeal of the mandatory retirement policy for Indeed, even as I am with you in teachers, an extra 1,000 teachers to be recruited every year, an increase in the primary education budget from Opuwu, the UNFPA representative 8.6% to 12% in 2006, and an extra 1,000 literacy centres is delivering the same message per year. in Khomas and the WHO 1,000 students walked 5km alongside MPs to meet the representative will allude to it in country’s Prime Minister and a host of government Oshakati.” offi cials at a moving ceremony in Niamey. Here, a staggering 689,886 messaged “friends” were delivered UNESCO Windhoek director Claudia Harvey at the to the Prime Minister. Hama Amadou responded by national opening ceremony

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Nigeria Qatar Rwanda The Global Action Week took a remarkable journey this The Global Action Week was inaugurated at the Students created over 3,000 “friends”, all with personal year, reaching out beyond the largest cities. The week University of Qatar under the slogan “Partners for a Better messages to the world leaders to “Send My Friend to kicked off at local council level, with women and children Education for All”. Presentations, lectures and roundtable School”. Building on the “Valuing Teachers” work done speaking out to traditional rulers and local legislators, discussions were held, with a special focus on quality by Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), the Rwanda GCE demanding a transformation from “rhetoric to actions”. education, including training and capacity-building, coalition worked with the government and donors to The Minister of Education reported to the press on curriculum, information technology, teachers and understand and solve teacher supply and motivation Nigeria’s status regarding Education For All and the students with special needs. Events also included an issues, as well as fi nd ways to fund quality public Millennium Development Goals. Education for All art exhibition, and a sports and education for all. cultural day for hearing-impaired students. The event was possible because of civil society’s On the Day of the African Child, representatives of the successful lobbying for increased government Ministry of Education, Vice Mayor of Kigali, UNICEF, transparency in their work to eliminate poverty and FAWE were invited to St. André Secondary school and achieve the MDGs. The coalition, with in Nyamirambo, Kigali. Children read messages, acted support from UNICEF, made a documentary a role-play about the importance of education, and on, The Face of Poverty, which was aired handed over their “friends” for attending dignitaries to throughout the week. The week sign before being sent to the G8 embassies in Kigali. culminated in 500 children delivering The day’s events were covered on major national radio their 1,000 “friends” to the Minister of stations and in the newspapers. Education, Minister of Finance and Minister of Women’s Aff airs and Youth Development in Lagos, and similar “friend” delivery events in regions all over Nigeria.

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Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone On 29 April, hundreds of children joined with local Schooling is compulsory up to the age of 15 in the A decade of civil war has left Sierra Leone in a state politicians to give a message to President Abdoulaye Seychelles and the gender parity goal has been met. of extreme poverty and with 375,000 children out of Wade. Those supporting the campaign included Campaigners, however, felt passionately that children school. Dramatic changes are, however, taking place. internationally recognised Senegalese artists, need to receive a better quality education. Up to one in The Minister of Education, Dr. Alpha Wurie, launched Youssou N’Dour and Baba Maal, who launched the fi ve people is still living in poverty and quality education the Global Action Week in Freetown. His speech was campaign messages. More than a hundred civil society is a fundamental means to improve the lives of these aired on radio and it was reported that the government organisations, UN agencies and government ministries people. is prepared to open the doors of every single school came together during the active “Send My Friend to (whatever its structure, whether built or outside) to School” week, which was organised by EFA-CNEPT. During the Global Action Week, debates took place enable every child of school-going age to have the on the issues of quality education and the campaign opportunity of gaining a basic education. The Minister The highlight event of the week was a “headlight put pressure on the government to review the current stated, “Weak communities will be supported to send demonstration” in Rufi sque. More than 300 children from education strategy. Schools, learning centres and their girl children to school and skills training centres, not diff erent backgrounds, gathered to hold up their “friends”, civil society organisations displayed specially adapted only to attain gender parity, but as a means of fi ghting carry messages and sing songs for the authorities to campaign posters and fl yers across the Seychelles HIV/AIDS and early pregnancies.” turn their attention to children who are not able to get Archipelago. With the support of the Education Minister, an education, and to end poverty and discrimination by members of the government, parliamentarians, students, During the week, a fi ve-day workshop took place on the enrolling them in schools. Throughout the week 10,000 education and civil society activists came together during education sector’s response to HIV/AIDS, attended by “friends” were made and 20 politicians went “back to the week and at a National Pledge Event where people over 160 people and development agencies. And an school”. These events were well publicised throughout registered their solidarity to achieving the MDGs, fi ghting initiative to build 1,200 community schools was launched the Senegalese media. poverty and providing quality education to all people. in northern Sierra Leone.

Around the Day of the African Child an international The week featured a spectacular march of 30,000 children “Dakar +5” conference was organised by UNESCO and – holding their cut-out “friends” – to the national stadium the President of Senegal was lobbied with messages and where a national pledge event took place. Statements “friends” created during Action Week. were given by a number of prominent people, including the Minister of Education, the activities coincided with

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“Education is the single most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela the country’s independence celebrations. South Africa in the 1976 Soweto riots). The day commemorates school children’s On 16 June, the public rallied through the streets of South Africa played host to a range of activities to push struggles against injustice and Freetown sporting school bands and thousands of cut- for quality education for all. These included developing unequal education in 1976. out “friends”. Students made presentations about the a reading pack on quality education issues and holding After talks, these young need for debt cancellation and better quality education leadership schools for young people in KwaZulu-Natal, people took their “friends” for all, and delivered their “friends” and messages to the Gauteng and the Western Cape provinces. On South to join an enormous rally at education minister. Africa’s Freedom Day on 27 April, a “Children’s Speak Out” the Soweto “Mountain of was held in the Apartheid Museum, where they asked for Hope”. The “friends” were quality education without violence. 100 students from handed to the UK High Gauteng’s schools gathered and debated the eff ects of Commissioner to South sexual violence, child labour, poverty and HIV/AIDS on Africa to pass on to the UK education. Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The South African coalition started tracking the quality of school nutrition programmes and the provision of free school meals as an essential way of improving health and getting children into schools. They also held several debates and discussions on early childhood development, the WTO and the impact of GATS on education and health. A regional roundtable discussed Southern Africa’s progress towards achieving free education.

On the Day of the African Child there was a symbolic gathering of children in the Hector Pieterson Museum (which is dedicated to one of the children killed by police

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Sudan Over 4,000 adults and children were involved in GCE events during Global Action Week. An impressive 15,000 cut-out “friends” were made, with colourful messages asking for girls’ education. These messages were echoed by civil society organisations and communities who were talking to the local authorities. Children gave their voices through songs, dramas and speeches asking for free education.

A rally of 500 children and 3,000 parents, civil society and NGO members marched to the Palace of Sudan where they met embassies, UN agencies, the chairperson of parliament, and the Minister of Education, Mr Babikir Nahar. He welcomed the crowds and expressed his readiness to listen and meet their demands where he could. As a result of the children’s call for education a decree was issued for free quality education to all, meaning that any school that does not keep to this will be penalised.

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“Is the current primary school curriculum “Send My Friend to enough in empowering today’s school children to improve their lives and School, even if he is a economic status after the completion of street kid or disabled.” basic education?” Plea of a child to the King of Swaziland. Question asked by GCE campaigner on Radio Tanzania

Swaziland Tanzania On the Day of the African Child, education organisations came together in Shinyanga, Mwanza and Karatu The Global Action Week was celebrated for the fi rst time Children, parents and teachers presented their messages Districts. Children and the community held up in all four regions of Swaziland: Shiselweni, Lubombo, to 17 members of parliament and performed poems, personally-written messages, with their own testimonies Manzini and Hhohho. Throughout the nation, children songs and dramas. Their presence was very signifi cant, of exclusion from school. Journalists attended the marched to towns, with banners and their messages to because, although children no longer need to pay events and interviewed children, and a documentary of “Send My Friend to School”. Their message asked King school fees in Tanzania, there are three and a half million personal stories was made to send to the G8. Members Mswati III and the Prime Minister to support all children children who do not attend school. They still have to foot of parliament, television and radio journalists, and to get a quality education. They read stories of personal the bill for textbooks and uniforms and, for many, this representatives of G8 embassies also returned to some of friends who had to drop out of school because they could cost is simply too much. the schools that were visited in April. no longer aff ord the school fees and they sang songs that described the plight of children whose parents had died. Many parliamentarians went “back to school” and became The week’s events were covered in the Swazi newspapers, more aware of the specifi c problems faced by children television and radio and the Ministry of Education is orphaned and stigmatised because of HIV/AIDS. They planning to publish a book of the children’s messages learnt how districts can better provide for vulnerable and letters. children and the need to support them with school materials and uniforms.

Syria Children were at the centre of Global Action Week – they Syria worked in partnership with the Lebanon campaign wrote messages, essays and letters of solidarity and and UNESCO, and placed a special emphasis on “Reading drew “missing out” maps, illustrating their peers who are for Literacy”. Discussions were held on how to achieve missing an education. There was an essay competition Education for All, citing examples of mobile schools, and their content was used to develop an advocacy programmes for girls’ education, teacher training and paper. They rallied through villages with placards of literacy. messages to improve education, and drop all costs of going to school. The week’s activities were featured in the press, and on television and radio.

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“I feel so bad, lonely, and abandoned with other educated women because I cannot read or write.” Young GCE campaigner in Tanzania

Togo Uganda for adult literacy programmes in order to end poverty. A “Children’s Speak Out” event was organised by UNESCO, The GCE Togo coalition had an array of events planned The Global Action Week kicked off with a national press the Ministry of Education and Save the Children. Here, to mobilise people during the Global Action Week. Sadly conference, which was successful in securing discussions children from 20 districts assembled and discussed during April there were violent political demonstrations about EFA, the MDGs and Education to End Poverty on examples of how education can help end poverty in Togo’s urban areas, which prevented the GCE campaign national radio, newspapers and television talk shows. and gave their statements to the Minister of Primary from taking place. Instead this period saw an exodus More children, teachers, parents and offi cials than any Education. Parliamentarians vowed to discuss the issues and displacement of people and several weeks later previous Action Week came together in events in over 30 raised throughout the Action Week in a month’s time. the country was still in turmoil. Campaigners however districts. MPs went “back to school” and were presented remain commited to improving the lives of people in with children’s cut-out “friends”. Parents also returned to Togo and ensuring children are able to go to school. school to increase their understanding and support for their children’s education.

In Kampala, over 5,000 people marched through the capital to the suburb of Kisenyi, where many disadvantaged children reside. Here they used songs, dance and drama to call on the government to take more action to ensure that all vulnerable children, especially those orphaned to HIV/AIDS, are given support to gain a quality education. Public discussions were held on the gaps in the education system and the consequences these have on poverty. Radio talk shows in Apac informed communities of the importance of educating girls and boys that had been denied an education because of war, many of whom have experienced trauma, physical or mental disability as a result of the strife. In Gulu, adult learners marched through the municipality calling on government to increase funding

32 Africa & Middle East T-Z “Study after study has taught us that there is no tool for development more effective than the education of girls. No other policy is as powerful in increasing the chances of education for the West Africa: a unique next generation.” meeting of the presidents of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, March 2005 Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger In West Africa, there was a truly exceptional launch of Zambia Zimbabwe the 2005 Global Action Week with the presence of three national presidents: Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali, The Global Action Week was launched by the Minister Parliamentary elections did not stop the Global Action Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso and Mamadou Tandia of of Education, whose speech was broadcast on the Week in Zimbabwe taking place; they merely postponed Niger. Each president placed his signature on a “friend” mainstream television channel. After this, a National it until the end of June. Throughout the week, young and committed himself to the Education For All goals. Pledge Event took place on 27 April, when a parade campaigners were involved in a host of events which The event was aired on television in Mali, Niger and of people followed the Zambia Army Brass Band to were publicised on the internet and on posters. Children Burkina Faso, as well as regional radio stations and in a the show-ground. Children and adult throughout the country made cut-out “friends” and came special two-part news magazine. learners held their “friends” and spoke together in district assemblies. All provincial governors to politicians, media were given cut-outs and “friends” from each province “To promote female literacy is and celebrities about were selected to go to a national assembly. On their way getting all children they marched through Harare to the Girls’ High School. to fi ght against infant mortality into school. The and AIDS.” Minister of Education The need for Education For All was also depicted through and President Levy drama, poetry and cultural events. One school Signed by Burkina Faso President, Blaise Compaoré Mwanawasa were asked to focused on a girl called Patricia, who has lost her take concrete action in 2005 father and cares for her terminally ill mother and “Send My Friend to School three younger brothers and sisters. Because of to ensure the Millennium in order to eradicate child Development Goals and the situation and the fact that the family are Education For All goals desperately poor, Patricia is unable to fulfi l labour.” are met. her right to go to school. Her story was used to remind the government and international Signed by Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré community of the many children in similar situations. “The future of a nation is in the schooling of girls.”

Signed by Niger President Mamadou Tandia

33 Africa & Middle East A-C AMERICAS

“Friends” had a massive presence in the Americas – giant puppet “friends” paraded through Brasilia calling for action to “Educate to End Poverty”, whilst life-size “friends” sat on Canada’s parliament hill for a breakfast meeting with government offi cials. And in Nicaragua people-sized Photo: Annie Bungeroth “friends” contained the names of children in the local area who were La Educación capacita “La educación es el arma más derosapo Un año de escolarización puede incrementar los salarios de las mujeres en un 10-20%. que tenemos para cambiar el mundo.” La Educación alvas vidas Nelson Mandela unable to go to school. Se podría evitar 7 millones de infecciones por el VIH/SIDA en la próxima Pida a los mandatarios mundiales que acaben con el analfabetismo y década, si todoslos niños y niñas recibieran una educación básica. que conviertan la pobreza en unahistoria del pasado. La Educación onstruyec un futuro Semana de Acción Mundial 2005 de la CME Los hijos e ijash de mujeres con estudios tienen un 50% más de www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek From Canada to Colombia senior politicians were visited by young posibilidades de sobrevivir tras los primeroscinco años de vida. campaigners and dignitaries returned “back to school” to sit in the classroom. Events made the news and were discussed on broadcast television and radio and for the fi rst time Guyana was involved. Whether marching, dancing, teaching, or singing, campaigners demanded education. In Bolivia campaigners were heard shouting: “Let’s break the barriers through education, not more poverty!”

34 Africa & Middle East A-C

35 AMERICAS A-C

“Let’s break the barriers through education, not more poverty” was demanded in Bolivia

Argentina Bolivia An international symposium “Education in the political Hundreds of schools, civil society organisations, trade process: challenges for the governments, parliaments unions and universities came together to campaign for and political parties” took place in Buenos Aires and was education and make personally inscribed “friends”. An followed by a range of lively and pertinent discussions impressive exhibition of “friends”, entitled “This Is Our about education throughout Latin America. Through Reality”, was visited by 5,000 people including national these debates, key players sought to improve the spirit of ministers. co-operation towards change and through such shared endeavour, build regional policies that will enable all One day of the Global Action Week was also nominated children in Latin America to have a quality education. as “National Commitment Day” when GCE Bolivia asked the Ministry of Education and regional mayors to fulfi l their promises to provide Education for All and achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals. In order to achieve this, GCE Bolivia continues to campaign for larger education budgets at the local level and, alongside school resources, focuses on quality education.

36 AMERICAS A-C

Brazil Canada There was some progress as the government announced $10.7 million to the Canadian Teachers’ Federation for Among students receiving lessons in Brazil were the The Canada GCE alliance got off to a fl ying start. basic education initiatives in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean Finance Minister, Antonio Palocci and National Congress Information about GCE’s Global Action Week was and Latin America and $24 million for basic education party leaders. When they returned “back to school”, the distributed to 11,000 schools and, in response, school initiatives in Nicaragua and Kenya. But this is not enough. offi cials were presented with “friends” and learned fi rst- children all across Canada made a plethora of cut- The coalition used the GCE “missing the mark” school hand the need to increase education spending in Brazil. out “friends”. 200 of the cut-outs were displayed at report to put pressure on the Canadian government to the launch of Action Week, when over 100 teachers, enlarge its eff orts towards Education for All, to bring “Friends” continued to feature strongly in Brazil’s politicians, civil servants and NGO employees ate a their basic education spend up to US$200 million a year. campaign in June when 150 children assembled in symbolic, “breakfast on Parliament Hill”. The issue was recognised by the media with coverage in central Brasilia, to add their voice to the global call for Canada’s leading paper, the Globe and Mail. the G8 to end poverty. The children travelled from poor Thulas Nxesi, President of Education International, came schools on the city outskirts to the centre of the capital, from South Africa to meet politicians and students. His where they paraded with giant puppet “friends” (which message was clear – Canada has an important role in are used in Brazil’s carnivals) with large banners saying leading the way in fi ghting global social injustice and “Towards Scotland”. The giant puppets were also used now is a crucial time to make an example of progress “The feedback so far is in a ”big hug” of the treasury building organised by the towards the Millennium Development Goals. phenomenal. Teachers are Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP). Children hand-delivered their “friends” to the G8 embassies and delighted to introduce their met the Finance Minister and British Second Secretary, young students to the world Richard Barlow, asking him to pass the messages of around them, and to nurture children from all over Brazil to British Prime Minister Tony Blair. their potential as good global “I would like the schools in Brazil to be the same as citizens.” Terry Price (President of the Canadian Teachers’ those in the richest countries of the world.” Federation) Ceará, young GCE campaigner

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“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent.”

John F. Kennedy

Chile Colombia Costa Rica Chile’s Global Action Week slogan was “Equality of Education hit the headlines in the run up to the Global The Minister of Education, Alejandro Alfonzo, opened Opportunities for a Quality Education”. In discussion Action Week; interviews with popular educators were the parliament doors to GCE child campaigners. forums, children added their voices to describe their aired, putting pressure on the government to provide Children brought their “friends” to a special session with personal experience of the short-comings of the quality education to all children. ministers, UN specialists and the UNESCO Director, San education system. They also made José. Speeches were given on Education For All, the hundreds of cut-out “friends”. A Schools and organisations got to work making cut-out Millennium Development Goals, and the links between combination of children, in person or “friends” – a total of 500 fi gures were made and sent education and poverty eradication. symbolised by “friends” was used to make to President Alvaro Uribe Velez. Schools also demands of national and world leaders. hosted visits from politicians who went “back- The event was followed up with a lively roundtable to-school” and signed commitment discussion of agencies and the government to draw up More than 300 children took pledges to improve Colombia’s courses of action. The University of Costa Rica discussed part in a public performance, education system. their role in quality basic education, by providing in front of the National research in quality education and by training teachers. Museum of Beaux-Arts in Throughout the year, children were The debate of education organisations and governments Santiago. Holding up their involved in events and discussions was moderated by a researcher, teacher and former “friends”, they addressed about inclusive education. Not UNESCO consultant. Throughout the week the activities the politicians and the stopping after the Global Action and interviews were publicised on various radio stations. Ministers of Education, Week, children continued to Soledad Alvear and campaign, joining GCAP in their Michelle Bachelat to march across Bogotá on White Band demand quality free education for Day, 1 July. all. Similar performance activities took place throughout the country, raising public awareness of the state and quality of education in Chile.

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EL Salvador Guatemala Guyana The Global Action Week focused on shaping a new Open forums and meetings took place in about 40 In 2005, a new GCE coalition was established in Guyana “Alternative education system: off ering quality education communities, where children, young people and adults with the help of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), the to the rural sector”. The new education system is aimed came together and discussed the Dakar EFA goals, and Guyana Teachers’ Union and various education NGOs. at rural children who are currently excluded from school. rated the government’s performance against personal This new coalition has great hopes of working with To fi nance the new initiative, a Municipal Education testimonies. A special “Right to Education” meeting was the government and donors in fi nding solutions to Investment Fund was also launched. held to discuss the problems and solutions of ensuring the problems of teacher supply and motivation, and that all young people get an education. Throughout the to ensure appropriate levels of domestic and external The Minister of Education, Darlyn Meza showed week, there was huge nationwide media coverage, in fi ve fi nancing for quality education for all. her support, saying, “Congratulations to programmes on television and local radio stations. campaigners for this great eff ort, and I’d like to say that we can accept these alternative A vigil was held in front of the Ministry of Education Haiti models offi cially to be part of the education where children held up their cut-out “friends” Children excluded from education came together system for El Salvador. In this, we can representing children who have been denied an with academics during Haiti’s lead-up to elections and give an opportunity to thousands of education. Young people performed a play questioned political parties about their standpoints on Salvadorians who at this moment on education, which attracted many on- education. They were asked to sign pledges that ensured do not have any opportunity to lookers and interest from the public. Young education policies became a top priority electoral issue. attend school.” campaigners also met the Consultative Throughout the Global Action Week children also made Commission For Education Reform and the 7,000 “friends”. There were also an amazing Vice-Minister of Education, Celso Chaclán, 10,000 “friends” made by and told personal stories of how they children in El Salvador, and were not receiving a quality education. their personal demands for They then handed over a statement of education were sent to both national demands. As a result, the education reform politicians and to G8 leaders. body pledged to re-commit to working towards the EFA goals.

39 AMERICAS h-U

Honduras education. A marketplace for learning was held too, sessions to the lack of education opportunities for girls where key youth and training organisations and the and women. The Global Action Week saw 28 NGOs and businesses Ministry of Education set up an exhibition of learning come together to organise events across the country. materials and presentations. Panama A conference on “Educate To End Poverty” focused on how to meet the Millennium Development Goals for School children visited Parliament to present their MPs Nationwide, campaigners conducted a search of boys education. Children who had made “friends” turned out with personal letters asking for more support in reaching and girls not attending school. Children in school, for a “Send My Friend to School” march which ended the Education for All goals. Schools put on displays of looked out for their friends that were unable to go at the Presidential House. President Ricardo Ernesto posters, poems and writings which remained on show to school and drew pictures of the ones they found. Maduro welcomed a group of children and committed when members of parliament returned the visit and went These pictures were shown at a press conference in to support education for all children in Honduras. He “back to school”. On the same day, a debate by young Panama with the plea “we want these chidren to go pledged to allocate suffi cient resources to schools, work people on education also took place, broadcasted live on to school”. Children also wrote and presented letters to ensure all children with disabilities were integrated Jamaican television. to the president, Lic. Martin Torrijos, that asked for into the formal education system, and to ensure that all free, good quality education for all their friends. Cut children, including street children, child labourers and Nicaragua out “friends” were displayed on government offi ces walls, reminding politicians of their duties. The largest children with disabilities, are able to fulfi l their right to go Children in Nicaragua made a colourful array of life University of Panama also organised an open colloquium to school. sized cut-outs with their names written alongside their on education, which was attended by UNESCO and demands for their “friends” to go to school. Some cut- government offi cials. As a result of this busy week, Jamaica out “friends” contained the names of children who had new initiatives were launched so that all the identifi ed dropped out of school in the local municipality. The Church and synagogue prayers launched the Global children could in future attend school. Action Week and Education for All messages were “friends” were then sent to the relevant local and national read out in a special service that was conducted across politicians, asking them to commit to more action to help the island. The week continued with roundtable such children, and sign a “friend of education” pledge. discussions of education, by the University of the Other activities included a forum on the “Right to West Indies Distance Education. Regional workshops Education”. Women and girls that had been excluded brought teachers and education offi cials together to from education addressed members of parliament about review recommendations to the national task force on their situation and the city council devoted one of their

40 AMERICAS h-u

Peru United States of America Uruguay The Global Action Week was active in all the 24 regions, The majority of campaigning in the USA focused on 16 “Voices Urging for Action” was the title of the beautiful where children set to work making a staggering 25,000 June, when children displayed their 10,000 “buddies” (the and hugely popular exhibition held by the International “friends”, and over 100 local and regional politicians and USA term for “friends”). Simultaneous events took place Council for Education (ICAE) and the Popular Education offi cials went “back to school”. The week climaxed in a across the country, aiming to increase awareness about Network Among Women of Latin America and the presentation by out-of-school children to the Congress, the need for universal basic education and place pressure Caribbean (REPEM). This exhibition was made up of a demanding an education. Their cut-outs were handed on the world’s leaders meeting for the G8 Summit. selection of the wonderful cut-out “friends” produced by over to President Alejandro Toledo and displayed outside children, youth and adults from across the country, as the Congress buildings. “Send My Friend to School” youth leaders, from all across one of the many activities of the GCE and the Global Call the USA, travelled to Washington, DC to address their to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) in April 2005. It was members of Congress on the need for action from the G8 stunning enough as an exhibition in itself, let alone the on universal education. The students, accompanied by powerful political message it held. Trinidad and Tobago their parents and teachers, toured the Capitol building School students launched the Global Action Week on and attended a reception which honoured Congressional The Global Action Week activities – the production of a live television broadcast on 25 April. Together with supporters of international basic education. The young the cut-out “friends” – took place in education centres, the Secretary-General of the National Commission for lobbyists were enthusiastic advocates for education and youth groups, women’s’ groups and communities. These UNESCO, the students presented the planned Education reached an impressive number of members of Congress. were then carried by the activists to local and national For All week’s activities and explained why such a week is authorities, and town squares where people gathered to The media coverage of “Send My Friend to School” promote the messages underlining the campaign. so important. events was vast, and included a magazine interview with Senator Hillary Clinton and wide television and Over 60 political leaders signed commitments and newspaper coverage including the Washington Post and pledges to do what they could to “Send My Friend to Bloomberg News. School”. Alongside the colourful imagery of the cut-outs representing a real person who could not complete his or her education, there were also testimonies written by the children to highlight the issues further.

41 ASIA & OCEANA A-C ASIA & OCEANIA

Sailing, fl ying, running – there was no limit to the lengths campaigners went to deliver their messages to politicians. Colourful kites of “friends” were fl own in the Philippines, whilst education messages fl oated down Bangladesh’s rivers on the sails of small boats. And in India campaigners took to running through the streets, on a protest marathon, as campaigners were heard calling: Photo: Crispin Zeeman Education empowers “Education is the most powerful weapon A single year of schooling can increaseomen’s w wages by 10-20%. that you can use to change the world.” Education for Liberation! Education saves lives Nelson Mandela 7 million cases of HIV/AIDS could preventedbe in the next decade if every hildc received an education. Tell world leaders to end eracy,illit and make poverty history Education builds the future GCEGlobal ActionWeek 2005 Children born to literate mothers are 50% more likely to survive www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek Liberation for Education! past the age of five. Children took great care making delicate “friends” from ribbon, feathers and fabric in Japan, while in Singapore children fasted for 24 hours and in Hanoi young campaigners visited the palace with their personal messages to Educate to End Poverty. Their messages were met with a warm response as politicians listened, went “back to school” and signed pledges to provide Education for All.

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Bangladesh Cambodia India A whole host of activities took place in Bangladesh During a national pledge event on 26 April 3,000 Parliamentarians across Delhi were woken up by groups throughout the Global Action Week. One highlight children and young people, fl anked by their of children knocking on their doors, demanding that they was a meeting between children and law-makers in cut-out “friends”, demanded that the take action on education. In the early morning hours, parliamentary offi ces where they challenged political government take immediate actions 100 children asked 200 parliamentarians and offi cials to fi gures directly about improving education issues. The to enable their “friends” and other remember the government’s education promises and parliamentarians listened patiently, took note and children to go to school. The event to sign pledges of more action on education. Later on responded to the children. Other events included was attended by more than a hundred in the week, many members of parliament showed their seminars on how best to ensure education reaches government offi cials, parliamentarians, support by returning the visit and going “back to school”. indigenous children, especially in rural areas. 5,000 NGOs, ambassadors and donors. essays were written to the title “Our school” or “The role Among the government offi cials The week continued with the fi rst-ever “protest of education to end poverty” and entered into a national responding to the children’s marathon”, which kicked off simultaneously across competition. There was also a competition of children’s pleas were the Deputy Prime the country on 24 April. Over 3,000 children, paintings that depicted the unspoken difi culties that Minister, H.E. Sok An, and from all walks of life, those living in informal overwhelm children. the Minister of Education settlements, going to rehabilitation and formal who re-affi rmed schools, and those unable to go to school, For the fi rst time ever, sailing and fi shing boats were used the government’s ran beside politicians and journalists. They in Bangladesh’s campaign. Their sails carried messages commitment to education, ran with the common purpose of attaining about education, drawing the attention of all those pledging to reduce poverty the fundamental right of education for along the riverbanks. Action Week continued along and urgently push forward the all children – under the slogan “Run India its visual theme, with the production of a special fi lm education plan. Towards Education”. called Amader Fulu, about a village girl who is saddened by meeting children who have to work in hazardous In Uttar Pradesh, 100,000 colourful postcards were situations and who are unable to learn to read and write. printed and given to children to sign and write their She learns how to overcome some of these problems by message to the government demanding education for being educated. every girl. On the eve of Action Week, children came together for the night in Lucknow, where they

44 ASIA & OCEANiA b-j

In India, only 10 in 100 children reach grade 10 and among them, the number of girls is even smaller. One in three people in India are illiterate. rested together and shared experiences and stories. At Indonesia Japan the rally, they held colourful fl ags, placards, puppets and banners and sang a song with the words, “Meri saheli ko With the help of the “How to make a School students gathered throughout the Global Action bhi bhejo school” (“Send My Friend to School”). Children ‘friend’ “ booklet, children and adults got Week in workshops where they learned about children also gathered at the children’s parliament, where they busy cutting out, decorating and writing across the world who are unable to go to school and the gave testimonials of why they could not go to school. messages on “friends” that symbolised underlying reasons for this reality. In response, children those in need of an education. When made 500 cut-out “friends” with potent messages The events were covered widely in the media. Dalit (so- politicians, local leaders and celebrities to the government to fund education. “Friends” called “untouchable”) girls were given the opportunity went “back to school”, they were given were made with fabric, string, cardboard, to speak about the issues they face, via the media, and in “friends” alongside statements of the feathers, newspaper and ribbon. Each carried a face to face meetings with government offi cials. coalition’s demand to increase the personal message describing why the “friend” education budget to 6% of GDP. was unable to go to school – adding that On 16 June, the 30,000 “friends” made by Indian children The coalition also requested extra increasing commitments to the Millennium were sent to celebrities in India, including cricketers and funds to hire more teachers, so Development Goals could make education Bollywood stars. About 250 children marched to raise that all children could get a quality for all a reality. The “friends” were exhibited awareness of India’s failure to meet the MDG targeting primary education. They were and entered in a competition and the gender parity in education. Government offi cials asked to sign pledges and respond winners with the most poignant messages were sent were given GCE “report cards” that rated the education to the person who made the “friend”. to the G8 Summit in Scotland. performance of countries in Asia. And on 1 July, children sporting white armbands delivered “friends” to the G8 Other events included education embassies in support of GCAP’s White band Day. exhibitions, talk shows, media briefi ngs, a “Education for liberation. press conference and a national pledge event, where “friends” were given to the Indonesian Liberation for education!” and, President. “We need education. We need freedom!”were shouted by campaigners running through the streets of India.

45 ASIA & OCEANiA m-p

“I have been through Grade 1 three times. I am constantly teased since I come from the Bajao tribe. Because of this, I get embarrassed and I cannot stand up from my seat.”

Girl child in Phillipines

Malaysia Mongolia Nepal Approximately 2,500 teachers gathered in Kuala Lumpur A successful press conference kicked off the Global Despite massive political upheaval, the GCE Action Week to focus on ensuring that all children were provided a Action Week, which was covered on fi ve television achieved a great deal in Nepal. As the week coincided quality free education and to fi nd solutions to priority channels, four daily newspapers and on Mongolian radio with the national school enrolment times, campaigners issues for teachers (including free health stations. took this opportunity to include all children in a big and medical care). Leaders of the “welcome to school”. Throughout the rural areas posters teachers’ union also visited schools Throughout the week, the campaign focused on how to and stickers were given out in the eight major languages that were educating children aff ected make primary school inclusive of all children. An open of Nepal. As the result of children “mapping” friends in by the 2004 tsunami. forum television show discussed how to improve quality the area who were out of school, 50,000 parents were education, and improve teaching and learning materials. sent invitations to send their children to school. Because GCE Malaysia is scaling up for next Education legislation was discussed with members of of this child enrolment rates increased by thousands. year’s campaign, when they plan parliament who agreed to include civil society more in to undertake a mass public developing social policy. Students, child labourers and child rights representatives consultation on free education, addressed the government, political parties and eradication of poverty for Mongolia’s Prime Minister T Elbegdorj met educational organisations, to remind them of their indigenous people and the women and girls from across the country. responsibility of providing education to all children and status of women teachers. In this meeting, which was broadcast security in schools. Throughout the country more than on Mongolian national television, 30,000 “friends” were made with scarce resources, and he pledged to improve the quality given to offi cials, politicians and the GCE Network. Due of education and stated that, “Lack of to the unstable political situation, the leading political education leads to poverty. And a lack of quality parties expressed their solidarity by signing up to the education leads to poorly paid jobs and poor quality children’s appeal to send their friends to school. of life. In the long run, this sort of situation leads to problems of corruption and poverty. We have to work together, along with teachers, pupils, civil society and the state in order to improve the education of the country.”

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Pakistan Philippines Child Labour! Educate to End Poverty!” A large wall mural depicted the faces of the children involved. On 28 April, 4,000 school children and their teachers The Philippines Global Action Week was a unique, walked to parliament. The march was addressed by the celebratory festival that was carried out with laughter and The week climaxed at a national pledge event in Quezon Minister of Education, the Minister of State for Education, imagination. Over 140 organisations represented by E- City, to which 5,000 children, teachers, and policy- the Federal Education Secretary and the UNESCO Net Philippines were responsible for uniting children and makers came, holding banners, fl ying their kites, and Islamabad Director. The Minister of Education pledged running activities throughout the week. These included wearing white bands, symbolising support for GCAP. the government’s commitment to education. getting politicians “back to school”, running workshops Even the trees were wrapped in strips of white cloth. and conferences and a successful media campaign. A cultural programme consisted of children’s dances, Throughout the week, children in regions throughout music, performances and story-telling. The government Pakistan were busy making cut-out “friends” and hosting Children had a great deal of fun creating the paper responded by stating their support for education, such as politicians’ trips “back to school”. cut-outs and built on the idea by making kites. These setting up day-care centres and recruitment of teachers. carried messages about child labour and education, and The campaign had great eff ects in the large province slogans such as “Let us study”. Unique “friends” were of Punjab where a number of steps have since taken made from region to region; some depicted girls forced “We have come together to place, including the introduction of free education up to leave school and work in prostitution, while others to matriculation level with provision of free books and were made of silk or pebbles. Children and young people present our call that all children stipends to disadvantaged girl students. The government crafted boats with education messages and fl oated these should have an education, and has also committed to improving the infrastructure of on the tributaries of the Agus River. In Atok, Benguet, to have this call heard by our 64,000 government schools by December 2006, and to the locally-produced “friends” featured cabbages, grass national leaders and policy- appointing teachers with higher qualifi cations to make and celery and carried the message, “Since the prices up for the current teacher defi cit. of vegetables has fallen, I can no longer go to school.” makers.” (referring to the recent surge of vegetable imports E-Net President, Professor Flora Arellano into the Philippines that has reduced takings for local farmers). Even children that live on the railways were “Poverty is not inevitable. If we involved. They rode their makeshift trolleys over the railway tracks, carrying streamers and placards unite, we can end poverty.” bearing the messages “Send us to School! Stop Ms Marivic Raquiza of GCAP, Philippines

47 ASIA & OCEANiA s-u “Please Send My Friend to School. We want no barriers but give us opportunities: education, teachers, especially schools in the provinces, resources and funds.”

Message delivered to MPs who went “back to school” in the Solomon Islands

Singapore “Dear President Bush, Solomon Islands On 16 June, GCE member, World Vision organised a 30- The week started with national coverage of education hour fast to mark the Day of the African Child. Children Your country is capable of providing issues on the radio (SIBCE) and in the newspaper stayed together, learnt about global education issues, assistance for other less-developed (Solomon Star). A road campaign also took place in which and made 1,000 cut-out “friends”. These friends were a GCE vehicle covered in campaign posters drove slowly then sent to the G8 meeting. countries, especially in the area of through the streets of Honiara, shouting messages and providing education to their children. slogans about Education for All and the week’s events. “If you have the power to infl uence, Children deserve the right to be Crowds gathered and an estimated one in three people throughout the city became aware of the campaign. why not make a difference? Make educated, to know their opportunities the world a better place.” and achieve their potential. Please do The week continued with a hugely successful national pledge event that kicked off with live music from the Dorothy in Singapore not deprive them. Please take this popular Police Band. 2,000 people, including the Minister heartfelt advice and convert it into of Education, came to the Melanesian cultural village. Groups of young people marched past the minister actions. and offi cials with their cut-out “friends” and banners and Education Minister Roland Sikua signed pledges to Sincerely yours, improve quality education, life skills education, literacy and achieve gender parity in schools. A “Champions David” for Education Back to School Day” was enjoyed by all Young campaigner in Singapore 1,000 teachers, students and parliamentarians involved. Offi cials signed pledge postcards that renewed their support for achieving Education for All.

48 ASIA & OCEANiA s-u

Sri Lanka Turkmenistan Vietnam Several events were organised in Sri Lanka, in Colombo With the co-operation of UNESCO and UNICEF, six Working in groups, children listed their out-of-school and the rural areas. In Kudagama village, where 70% meetings were organised throughout Turkmenistan to friends and made 600 cut-outs, some life sized, to of children are unable to go to school, a day of events raise awareness about the Millennium Development represent disadvantaged children who are denied the kicked off with games of volleyball, cricket and kabadi. Goals and Education For All, as well as how best to opportunity to go to school. They signed these and sent Then they discussed how best to ensure children do not achieve them. Education for All materials were translated them to the government. Politicians and the media also continue missing an education. into Russian and Turkmen, and disseminated to education went “back to school” where they signed pledges on the managers, teachers and education offi cials who discussed cut-out “friends” and watched children performing role- Other cultural days included interactive activities for how best to enable all children to go to school. plays and songs. children including dance and dramas. When attendants were asked whether they thought Sri Lanka was In Hanoi, over 600 children, including street and working progressing fast enough in getting children into schools, Uzbekistan children, and children with disabilities, participated in a 90% said “no”. Following discussions about how to make Over 150 students, teachers, and community members large event at the Children’s Palace, where they held up education more inclusive, especially for girls, those from Uzbekistan participated in activities ranging from their “friends” and met government representatives and who came to events made cut-out “friends”. They used online forums on educational access to an artwork asked them to “Send Me to School”. Street children also diff erent materials to decorate their friends and, on the contest called, “How I see education for all”. An Education met face-to-face with education department offi cials back, wrote messages to politicians to take more action to Ministry representative joined the online discussions on and asked them for support and the opportunity to go to get all children to go to school. special school programmes for disabled students. school. This meeting was televised on local channels.

Other activities took place across the country, involving Taiwan a total of 17,000 children. Many contributed to articles An impressive parade of 100,000 teachers requested and personal stories from NGOs, students and grassroots the Taiwanese government for the right to form labour organisations, that were assembled in a country review unions. The week continued to be led by the National entitled, Teachers’ Association of Taiwan, who organised many “There will be no Education activities campaigning against anti-globalisation. The campaigners also raised funds to help communities that for All unless there is All for had suff ered in the 2004 tsunami. Education!” 49 Europe A-C EUROPE

On a frosty February lunchtime, campaigners turned out in force for a presentation of “friends” to Nelson Mandela in London’s Trafalgar Square. They listened and later reacted to his call: Photo: Amy Vitale/Oxfam L’éducation renforce l’autonomie “L’éducation est l’arme la uspl puissante Avec une seule année de scolarité, une femme peut voir son salaire augmenter de 10 20%.à pour changer le monde.” L’éducation sauve des vies Nelson Mandela En donnant à chaque enfant une éducation primaire, on éviterait 7 illionsm Demandez aux dirigeants mondiaux demettre fin à ’illettrisme,l et la “Sometimes it falls upon a de nouveaux cas de HIV/sida pendant les dix prochaines années. pauvreté ne sera plusque de l’histoire ancienne. L’éducation construit le futur Semaine mondiale d’Action 2005 de la CME Les enfants nés d’une mère alphabétisée ont 50% de chances www.campaignforeducation.org/actionweek generation to be great. You can be supplémentaires de survivre aprèsl’âge de cinq ans. that generation.” With passion and commitment “friends” were created by children, teachers and famous artists and exhibited from Portugal to Poland – venues included UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris and Copenhagen’s City Museum.

From Germany to Greece, campaigners worked hard to demand that all children, whatever their circumstances, are able to go to school. Dignitaries met at roundtable discussions on education policy and heard children’s views in public rallies and when they returned “back to school”. Politicians listened and in Ireland, the government committed to increasing Overseas Development Aid to 0.7% of GNP, in line with UN recommendations.

50 Europe A-C

51 Europe A-D

Albania Armenia Austria More than 13,000 people came together to ask the All across Armenia children and Following on from last year’s Albanian government to “Educate to End Poverty”. A teachers worked to highlight successful campaign, politicians wide range of activities were carried out across all of the need to fi ght poverty and once again went “back to school” Albania – children’s clubs participated and “friends” were provide education. Students’ and engaged in dialogue with school made. Children used pictures to illustrate their views essays, poems and paintings children and teachers. Trade union and ideas about a “World with Education”. Drawings brought out their concerns offi cials and staff representatives were exhibited in schools throughout the country, and for their worldwide friends also visited classrooms and gained every one of the 140 Albanian members of parliament who are unable to go to school. fi rst-hand experience of what is and government education representatives was asked Out-of-school children explained needed to enable children to to visit a school in their constituency. Children wore why they were unable to attend get a quality education. traditional costumes when meeting offi cials; they recited and, in several schools, head poetry and sang about the need for everyone to have teachers made pledges to an education. Local government representatives signed specifi cally support children pledges in response to the requests that they dealt with from poor families to come school environment, infrastructure, equipment, and to school. Letters were sent especially school attendance by Roma and disabled to community leaders, offi cials and children. On the last day of the businessmen, asking for support campaign children presented in ensuring all children receive the President of Albania, Mr an education. The campaign was Alfred Mujsin, with petitions successful in getting into the local asking him to do more to ensure mass media, turning the public’s eye all children in the country were to the vital issues facing the whole educated. community – illiteracy and poverty.

52 Europe A-D

“We hope that all kids will go to school, especially the girls. The promise must “Here come our friends. We hope and be kept, because all children ought to wish that they will all go to school be in school by 2015, since it is written and have fun like us.” in the Declarations.”

Pupil from Søndervang school, Denmark 4th grade pupil from a school in Hillerød, Denmark

Denmark World famous artist, Olafur Eliasson exhibited thousands Finland of these “friends” under a specially designed light An amazing one in every seven Danish pupils called “Yellow Sunlight 2005”, in Copenhagen’s City The “Send My Friend to School” petition in participated in the 2005 Global Action Week, doubling Museum. The exhibition was opened by the Danish Finland lasted for four months, raising the public’s awareness of children’s rights and calling upon the amount of people involved from the year before. Minister of Development, who praised the initiative and the Finnish government to double aid for basic 111,029 Danish pupils sat in silence reading for one hour, acknowledged the direct involvement of so many Danish education by 2010. 50,000 people signed the in honour of the 100 million children that may never get pupils taking a stand for education. petitions in shopping centres, festivals and via the chance to learn to read. the internet. These names were handed to the The Reading Rocket, a collection of short stories, has Finish Minister for Development, Mari Kiviniemi by continued to be a big success, with contributions European Union Finnish children. from seven Danish authors. It was re-reproduced and A special hearing on EU aid Children also made cardboard cut-out “friends”, distributed free of charge all over the country and and had lessons on children’s rights and education. activities around the book were a big hit, instigating to education took place in the They were assembled in an exhibition in Helsinki debates in classrooms and at home about education. European Parliament on 22 June, and presented by children to Finnish President, As a result, the public increased pressure on Danish Tarja Halonen. politicians to maintain and increase the already with Louis Michel (EU Development substantial aid budgets for education. Other events Commissioner), M.Mathieu R. throughout the week included 100 parliamentarians Ouedraogo, (Minister for Basic going “back to school” and a “girls only” meeting with female students and women celebrity advocates for girls’ Education and Literacy, Burkina education. Faso) and Assibi Napoe, (Education

21,000 pupils made an array of beautiful, colourful cut- International Africa Representative) out “friends” and accompanied these with stories, and and Glenys Kinnock (MEP). letters expressing their concerns for all children to get an education. Written pleas to politicians asked them to keep their promises and “Educate All Now!”

53 Europe F-I

“We want to live in a fairer world and need the support of politicians and other adults. We need your help!”

4th grade pupils of Am Grüngürtel primary school, Berlin

Finland by the famous human rights activist Taslima Nasrin. Germany The “Send My Friend to School” petition in Finland lasted Twenty-four artists took part in a “Send My Friend to There was a wonderful meeting between the Vice- four months, raising the public’s awareness of children’s School” exhibition at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, President of Germany, Susanne Kastner and 100 school making “friends” and decorating them with education rights and calling upon the Finnish government to students who presented her with their cut-out “friends”, slogans. The UNESCO Director-General, Koïchiro Matsuura double aid for basic education by 2010. 50,000 people sang songs and asked her to sign pledges to ensure all inaugurated the exhibition, in the presence of Senegalese signed the petitions in shopping centres, festivals and were educated. They reminded her of the many children artist Ousmane Sow, patron of the exhibition. on the internet. These names were handed to the Finish living in poverty and of parliament’s responsibility to Minister for Development, Mari Kiviniemi by Finnish In June, a summer music festival fi lled the streets of reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The children. France with bands, music and children. There was a Vice-President promised to show the “friends” to her “Send My Friend to School” writing contest and the colleagues and pass on their messages about the MDGs. Children also made cardboard cut-out “friends”, and had concert hall was decorated with colourful cut-out lessons on children’s rights and education. They were “friends”. “Friends” were then handed over to the Ministry The press was presented with the GCE “School Report” assembled in an exhibition in Helsinki and presented by of Foreign Aff airs and G8 embassies. (ranking rich countries’ performance on giving aid to children to Finnish President, Tarja Halonen. education) which was subsequently covered in the media. Throughout the week there was a host of local France activities involving 130 schools and about 3,500 students. The GCE was kept busy in France throughout 2005. On Many of the 3,000 little “friends” made were puppets and International Women’s Day, 8 March, many women and represented children in Africa, Asia and Latin America men signed and distributed the “manifesto for the right that were supported by German schools. Other life-sized to a quality education for all” as a tribute to the 60 million cut-out “friends” were presented to school councillors girls and women who are denied their right to education. and the Mayor of Idstein.

During the Global Action Week in April, children made On the Day of the African Child, children handed their cut-out “friends”, read the manifesto and had lessons on “friends” to the Africa Commissioner for the G8 and the children’s right to quality education. A highlight of the Under-Secretary of State for Development. Letters were week was a national conference, which brought together also written to the Chancellor of Germany, Gerhard senior government offi cials, trade unions, media, civil Schroder, asking him to deliver at the G8 meeting. society and researchers. The keynote speech was given

54 Europe F-I

Greece Ireland An incredible 44,000 “friends” were made by school During the Global Action Week, the Minister for students across Greece, all with personal messages Development Co-operation went “back to school” and to “Send My Friend to School”. A delegation of about met with students. Minister Lenihan signed a pledge 260 pupils gathered in Athens on 20 April, where they to meet the target of 0.7% of GNP going to Overseas met the Greek Minister of Education and handed over Development Aid, in line with UN recommendations, and “friends” that had been made by children all across to increase its spending on education accordingly. At an Greece. Another smaller delegation of children also education MEP briefi ng, Irish members of the European met the Deputy Minister of Foreign Aff airs to hand over parliament also signed the same pledge. the personally crafted “friends”, asking for more aid to education. Children in Ireland started making their cut-out “friends” back in November 2004 during One World Week. Primary schools and youth clubs explored the exclusion of children, particularly girls, from school and made cut-out “friends” for sending to the G8 Summit. In June, children from primary schools met the media at Dublin’s General Post Offi ce in O’Connell Street in Dublin. In a symbolic send-off , eight children from each of the G8 countries posted a box of “friends” to the representative of their home country. Meanwhile, secondary school students engaged with the education issue through the Civic, Social and Political curriculum and invited local politicians “back to school”.

55 Europe L-R

Lithuania Netherlands Norway Children from over 100 schools assembled in Lithuania GCE Netherlands developed an innovative website for The GCE Coalition in Norway focused their campaign on to campaign for girls to go to school, and for all children anyone to design and create a “friend”. More than 7,000 the Roma people, whose disadvantages in the country’s to be able to go to primary school by 2015. A “Sport digital “friends” from the Netherlands were created in education system often goes forgotten, although Norway Together” day, which was inclusive of all children and this way. These were used on 27 April, when 750 school is one of the world’s richest nations. Representatives from encouraged out-of-school children to participate, children gathered in a large protest event in the Hague, Roma projects, the President of the Union for Education was held. Another activity was the “Dream-friendly close to the parliament buildings. Holding up their and local politicians gathered outside parliament on 27 classroom”, where children created the classroom of “friends” or wearing “friends” specially designed as masks, April. Roma-gypsy music was played and “friends” were their dreams – these activities were then publicised on a children called on politicians to “Stick to your word”. On given to politicians to remind them of all the children specially-designed website. handing over digital “friends” to Agnes van Ardenne, who are not going to school. the Minister of Development Co-operation, children asked her to explain why the world was failing to meet Students also met with journalists in Linderberg where the Millennium Development Goals, and requested they discussed the lives of all the out-of-school children. that she phone the leaders of rich countries that were Members of the press visited a range of classes and made not providing suffi cient aid. The Minister promised to “friends” alongside the students. As a result a double- take the protesters’ requests with her to the European page spread appeared in the national Dagsavisen paper Council for External Relations meeting, which was to covering the Global Action Week. discuss fi nancing for development. She also promised Later in the year, a seminar on Education for All was held, to continue increasing the Netherlands budget for basic which discussed how to address the marginalisation in education. Norway’s education system. Students and educational institutions gave their testimonies which sparked a great deal of interest among education specialists and the public, showing the strong desire to change and improve the situation.

56 Europe L-R

Poland Portugal Romania The Global Action Week took place in Poland for the 800 children came together to champion education for Schools and informal education centres held debates fi rst time, bringing together schools, students and the all children. Events took place throughout the country, and activities where they made “friends” that symbolised Polish Teachers’ Union (ZNP). The campaign focused on one of which was a meeting of “friends” at parliament. children who had been unable to go to school. 15 institutions that provide education to disabled children, The minister that came to meet the children and hear of these schools were visited by politicians and children in rural areas and immigrant families. Lessons their demands was given “friends” and a manifesto of GCE celebrities. 600 children’s cut-outs were then displayed were given to classrooms full of children and politicians demands. This manifesto had been drafted by children in an exhibition in Bucharest, before being sent on to who had returned “back to school”. The Minister of from 20 schools who had come together to campaign to politicians and the G8 leaders. Education also met school children in Warsaw and was “Educate to End Poverty”. handed paper “friends” and pledge cards to sign. A national roundtable brought together a diverse mix of At the Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo, 400 local authorities, school inspectors, teachers, children and Children and young people really enjoyed the experience children and young people gathered. Sporting white NGO workers. They discussed the reasons for children of campaigning and learning more about the lives of bands and banners the children learnt about UNESCO, being out-of-school and how best to tackle the situation. people who have limited access to education. With over Education for All and watched a fi lm about Guinea Bissau. Their thoughts and fi ndings were put into a report for 1,000 children being involved in the fi rst year, GCE Poland They met and discussed education with a local member wide dissemination. The results of the discussion also stated that, “The campaign is here to stay and will grow of parliament and a UNFP ambassador. Helena and informed the content of a letter to the President, Prime as other institutions, organisations and local authorities Goncala (from the popular television show Idols) showed Minister and Minister of Education, giving them advice have shown their desire to support the campaign.” An their support by singing, and O’Porto Football club sent a on how to provide quality education to all children. immediate eff ect of the campaign was the provision of video message giving their support and encouragement more school equipment. to all involved.

“School is very important because the children of today become the men and women of the future.”

Teacher Caetano from Guinea Bissau when addressing children in Portugal

57 Europe R-U

Russia Serbia and Montenegro Spain “Send My Friend to School” campaign activities took The Global Action Week took place under the slogan An impressive 27,379 students came together to place across seven regions in Russia and involved over 20 ”School is For All Children”. Children under the age of 15 campaign during GCE’s Global Action Week to make cut- organisations. Politicians went “back to school”, national entered a national writing and art competition with out “friends”. 258 politicians and offi cials were contacted pledges were made and discussions and lessons the theme “All children should go to school, to and showed their support for the campaign and many focused on the Millennium Development Goals. socialise and to learn”. Hundreds of amazing went “back to school”. The Minister for Education, Maria pieces were entered, and the winners were Jesus San Segundo and the Chief Director of Universities, One region involved was the Kalmykia Republic announced at a ceremony in Pavle Rovinski Claudia Eugenia Núñez were among those that returned where the Deputy Minister on Youth Aff airs and Primary School, Podgorica. Letters were sent to the classroom to show their support for enabling all the Deputy Government Chair, returned to the to celebrities and offi cials asking for their help girls to go to school. classroom to sit alongside school children. in enabling all children to go to school and In other regions dignitaries, celebrities, requesting their support in lobbying the Politicians committed to push for an increase in aid politicians and journalists went “back to President. As a result, a large number of to poorer countries to enable them to provide free school” and talked to children about messages of support from children, schooling to all children. When talking to the students, education. During the week, over 16 trade unions, NGOs, politicians and the Minister of Education recognised her responsibility pledges were signed by offi cials and civil society were compiled and to improve education, and she urged campaigners to almost 300 “friends” were made. delivered to the President of continue pushing for more support to go to developing Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic. countries. She stated that the Spanish government has now committed €5 million to the EFA Fast-Track Initiative.

58 Europe R-U

“The campaign has made me realise that there are millions of children desperate to learn. We are the lucky ones, but education shouldn’t be a luxury. It is a right.”

Maria, young GCE campaigner in the UK

United Kingdom On 1 July, Prime Minister Tony Blair was reminded of the “100,000,000 children are missing out. importance of White Band Day by girl pupils who visited The “Send My Friend to School” challenge got off to an him at home to deliver “friends” that had been sent in We think it’s not fair. If that was emotive start when 30,000 people were silenced by from all over the world. A group of school children also you, how would you feel? I don’t an address from Nelson Mandela in Trafalgar Square, travelled to Edinburgh where they handed over “friends” London. Langdon school students presented their to the spouses of the G8 leaders. Nelson Mandela’s white think you would like it if that was “friends” and, in return, received Mandela’s white band, band was handed to Tony Blair, who promised to raise the you.” which they promised to deliver to the G8. One student, issue of education with the other G8 leaders. Shetel, was deeply impressed. “He is such an amazing Raegen, age 9, Aberdeen person and it was a great honour to meet him. He was so inspiring. He made me realise that my generation needs “This whole movement has been such to take action against poverty and the lack of education a powerful doorway to show individuals in the world.” that they can make a difference. It has “Friends” continued to be made in their thousands, and changed our way of seeing the world. were collected on-line or sent in by schools, children I cannot thank you enough for the and supporters to the UK “buddy hotel” – where an stimulation and drive you have given us astonishing 1.5 million “friends” stayed in the run-up to all.” the G8 Summit. Richard Farmer, geography teacher’s message to GCE On the Day of the African Child, a beautiful display of “friends” was exhibited on London’s South Bank as part of an installation created by Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Throngs of school children visited, all keen to spot their “friend” among the thousands. They met the popular UK singer, Rachel Stevens and the GCE president, Kailash Satyarthi.

59 Taking Part

GCE congratulates the children, teachers, schools, unions, NGOs, CEF co-ordinators and communities that united and worked so hard to make the 2005 campaign such a success. Particularly notable are the countries where diverse groups co-ordinated their plans through a national coalition. Such coalitions, which may represent dozens or hundreds of different organisations, are noted with an asterisk*.

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Egypt TUC, Christian Council of Ghana, ActionAid, UNESCO, NCCM, UNESCO Northern Network for Education Development, Ghana Angola Ethiopia Education Service, Muslim Relief Association of Ghana, UNESCO Concerned Parents Association, Pronet, IBIS, Rural Youth Basic Education Association in Ethiopia, ActionAid Service, Child Educational Assistance Project, New Life Benin Ethiopia, Oxfam GB, DFID, VSO, Save the Children Alliance, International, Environmental Protection Association of GCE Coalition*, CLOSE, SPB, ANPPCAN Benin, ASPED, Christian Relief and Development Association, Plan Ghana, Centre for Strategic Planning, Ghana Federation ESAM, OCD, CALCOP, Aide et Action, Plan-Benin, Synapes, Ethiopia, Pact Ethiopia, UNESCO, Action for Development, of the Disabled, National Union of Students, Child Rights Synestp Adult and Non Formal Education Association in Ethiopia, International, OPED, CEDEP, CENSUDI Burkina Faso Africa Development Aid Association, Ethiopia Muslim CCEB*, CNAPEP, FAWE, APAC, Aide et Action, ActionAid, Relief and Development Association, Help the People Guinea OBUFADE, GRADE/FRB, OSEO, Oxfam GB, SNEAB, ABPAM, with Disabilities Organization, Youth Corps, Kind Heart ACEEF, ASED, L’ONG Djigui/Guinée, DNEPPE, BIT-IPEC- SYNATEB, AREB, SNESS, LIPEL, UNESCO Children Aid and Development Association, Rift Valley WACAP, SLECG, Federation Education Burundi Children and Women Development association, Christian Guinea Bissau Coalition Bafashebige*, STEB, AJUCET, OAG, CCOD, Children’s Fund, God for People Relief and Development Action Against the Exploitation of Women and Children APPEB, CPAJ, Foundation STAMM, ActionAid, FAWE Organization, Amhara Development Association, (ACEEF) Burundi, CAFOB, CCIJD Integrated Community Education Development Ivory Coast Association Cameroon Association Africaine pour le Développement Durable, FAWE-Cameroon, Global March-Cameroon, DEI- Gabon Mieux Vivre en Afrique, Eia Enseignants d’ici et d’ailleurs, Cameroon, KISDEG, ASSEJA, Fédération Camerounaise CONGEG*, SENA (Syndicat de l’Education Nationale) United Humanitarians, Ecole et Succès pour tous, des Associations, Centres et clubs UNESCO, Bureau Gambia Commission Nationale UNESCO Côte d’Ivoire, Syndicat sous-régional de l’UNESCO à Yaoundé, BIT, UNICEF, PNUD, GEFA*, EFA Campaign Network, EFA Network Divisional Des Transporteurs, Camua club des amis de ‘UNESCO Banque Mondiale, MINEDUB, MINESEC, MINPROFF, Chapters, GTU, ADWAC, NATCOM, DoSE, SSI, ActionAid– d’Abidjan, Save the Children Suede Côte d’Ivoire, Doux MINJEUN, EFA National Coordination Gambia, GOVI, VSO, FAWE – Gambia, SIMMA Vocational Soleil D’Afrique, Education Pour Tous Côte d’Ivoire, Skills Training Centre, GFD, EFA Regional Chapters, Play Communauté Islamique, Mission Evangélique La Source, Congo Communauté Catholique du mont a board, Union des UNESCO School, TANGO Ghana villes et communes de Côte d’Ivoire, Etabien, Association Democratic Republic of Congo des Jeunes pour le bien-être social AJBES, Powermax GNECC*, Ministry of Education and Sports, VSO, Oxfam ACVDP*, FENESCU/UNTC, Oxfam GB, CNEPT consulting, Group Accor IBIS Plateau, African Children GB, World Vision, ISODEC, Care International, Plan Development, Association des chefs coutumiers, Global Djibouti International, Ghana National Association of Teachers, UNESCO 60 project of Nelly, Conseil Général D’Abengourou, Conseil Madagascar Schools Association of Malawi, Deeper Life Christian General D’Agboville, Coopération Française, Chaire Commission Nationale Malgache pour l’UNESCO, Ministry, National Media for Southern Africa, Association UNESCO, Siavouai Sakassou (Bouake) Ministère de l’Education Nationale et de la Recherche for Christian Educators in Malawi, Target National Relief Iran Scientifi que, Ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports, and Development,Foundation for Relief, Education and UNESCO Ministère de la Population, de la Protection Sociale et des Development, Association for Elimination of Child Labour, Loisirs, UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, CINU, Aide et Action, Les Circle for Intergrated Community Development,Ntchisi Jordan District Network, Mzimba South District Network, Dowa IRC, JRF, JWU, UNRWA, NCFA 7 grandes associations scoutes: Mpanazava, Tily, Antily, Kiady, Fanilo, Scouts Adventistes, Ligue pour la Lecture District Network, Lilongwe District Network, Ntcheu Kenya de la Bible, Handicap International, Programme Conjoint District Network, Mangochi District Network, Zomba Elimu-Yetu Coalition*, KEFEADO, Pamoja, KNUT, ANCEFA, Education Gouvernement/Système des Nations-Unies, District Network, Blantyre District Network, Chikwawa Oxfam, ActionAid, Food to Learn, Youth International, FID EPT, ONGs education, ONG OPTE, ONG HARDI, District Network, Phalombe District Network Kuwe Women Group Kipsonoi Rural Action, Kisuka PACT Madagascar, Clubs UNESCO, Système des Ecoles Korando Women Group, Indigenous Information Mali Associées, Associations des Aveugles, Alliance Française, Oxfam, Groupe Pivot Éducation de base, Conseil de Network, Rainbow Welfare Group, Christian Partners, Volontaires Contre la Violence, Parlementaires chambre Concertation et D’Appui aux ONG, Plan - Mali, Federation Development Agency, AKEY, Community Transformation basse et chambre haute, Elèves, Sportifs des collectifs d’ONG Mali, World Vision, Enda tiers Monde, for Rural Development, Coalition of Youths Against Mali enjeu, comité national d’action Mali, Commission Violence, Forum for African Women Educationalists, Malawi nationale malienne pour l’UNESCO, IEP Kati, CAFO, Korando Teacher’s S.H Project, Kanyawegi Children’s Civil Society Coalition for Quality Basic Education: Ministère de l’Education Nationale , Aide et Action Mali, Home, Olwowa Women Group, St. Marks Lela (ACK) ActionAid, CARE Malawi, The Story Workshop, GTZ ADAF Galé Church, Bed Kitang’ Self Help Group, Kenya Anglican Basic Education, FAWEMA, Malawi Schools Parent Youth Organization, Youth Link Kenya, Luo Youth Council Association, Paper Making Education Trust, Development Mauritania Aid from People to People, Teachers Union of Malawi, DEFA, INEDI, SOS Pairs Educateurs, Association Enfants et Lebanon Chisomo Children’s Club, Creative Centre for Community Développement, Ong Les Enfants D’abord Al-Mabarrat Association Mobilisation, Centre for Education Research and Training, Mozambique Lesotho Youth and Children Right Shield, Youth Arm Organisation, MEPT*, ONP, UDEBA, World Vision, Save the Children LEFA*, NGOC, Save the Children, Ministry of Education Everychild Malawi, Participatory Rural Development Alliance, UNESCO, OJM, Oxfam GB, ActionAid and Training, LAT, UNICEF, Maseru Resources Centre, Organisation, Livingstonia Synod Education Project, Mozambique, FAWE, Concern Worldwide, CCMl, Fundação Juvenile Training Centre-Maseru Centre for Youth and Children Aff airs, Sight Savers para o Desenvolvimento da comunidade, CFD, ADPP, Liberia International, Youth Net and Counselling, Youth Action OMM, Progresso, Acrideme, Gas, Prolide, liberdade e Oxfam, LETCOM, ALPO*, LINCEFA in Relief and Development, Save the Children, Private desenvolvimento, ESAM, Helvetasl, Udeba Gaza -

61 Promoção Da Educação Básica, MALHALHE, Monaso-rede Law Reform Project, WARO, Women in Development Seychelles de Organizações contra sida, GM OREL, Feduza, Nucode, & Environment, Women’s Initiative Support Services ASFF, CEFRAD, SWC, Tutorial College Seychelles, Aro Juvenil, FOPROGNTE, UDEBA NAMPULA Organization, Society for the Improvement of Rural Seychelles Scouts Association, SCCI, SHA, SLTU Namibia People-Nigeria, Environmental Research & Development Sierra Leone UNESCO, NIED, Teachers’ Union Organization, ASRUDE, CAHFAD, YORDEL-Africa, HAPI, FAWE – Sierra Leone, World Vision, UNICEF, UNESCO, Sight Global Health and Awareness Research Foundation, Savers, Plan, Oxfam GB, EFA Network* Niger Agency for Development Education & Literacy Services SNEN, ROSEN, Global March Niger, Plan Niger, Oxfam, South Africa Concern, SNV, Aide et Action, Comite National sous egide Qatar SANGOCO, SADTU, AIDS Consortium, SADEPA, RAPCAN, MEBA, UNICEF, UNESCO UNESCO Adult Learning Network, Refugee Children, SACECD, Nigeria Rwanda SAYWO, World Education, Access to learning materials CSACEFA*, Policy & Private Rights Watch, Human Services FAWE-Rwanda, FIYO-Rwanda, VSO, UNICEF project, Sithabile child & youth centre, GCE-SA* Organization, Public & Private Rights Watch, Women Senegal Sudan & Children Development Action, Royal Commission EFA – CNEPT*, Coorination nationale des opérateurs en Oxfam GB, Parents teachers councils, National network for Ministries, Ribadu Education Development Centre, alphabétisation, UNESCO, Enda ecopole, Organisation education, Plan Sudan Open learning Unit, Islamic Relief GADA, Federation of Akwa ibom Women Association, des instituteurs, Asdec, Asem, Paul Gérin la Joie, Conseil Agency, Save the Children Sweden, Save the Children UK, Women Information Link, Youth Orientation Foundation, National de la Jeunesse, Fawe Sénégal, Aide et Action, World University Services and the Ministry of Education, AWAC, Girls’ Brigade, OLENDA, AC-Con Akwa of Anglican Syndicat autonome de ľenseignement supérieur, Conseil Department of Planning Communion, Anambra women Action Committee, WIN, ď appui des organisation non gouvernementales, Swaziland DEC, Muslim Sister’s Organization, FIDA Bayelsa, GLO, OSA Syndicat unique et démocratique des enseignants du GCE Coalition*, Community Movement on Education Foundation, 1st Step, The Ark Foundation, Children Right Sénégal, Enda Graf, Union démocratique des enseignants School, SNAT Information Network, Ochilla Daughters Foundation, du Sénégal, Enfance et Paix, Syndicat des professeurs du Kibaku Area Development Association, RFAHRP, Syria Sénégal, Action jeunesse environnement, Syndicat de UNESCO Nigeria Organization for Solidarity and Development, ľ énseignement élémentaire, Adef Afrique, Association ABAB Foundation Initiative, Akpabuyo Bakassi Green senegal pour les organisations à la base, Association Tanzania Movement, Nigeria Youths Aids Programme, GRADO, Nationale pour ľalphabétisation, Association Senegal Oxfam, FAWE, TEN/MET*, HakiElimu Rural Environment Protectors, Girls’ Power Initiative, pour ľéducation et la culture, Association culturelle, Appui Togo Centre for rural information & community dev, Agape éducation et social, Conseil éducation développement, CNT/CME*, FESEN, FASPAREL, CSTT, UNSIT, FESET, Foundation For Literacy & Rural Development, Groupe Agora, ActionAid, Save the Children FENASYET, FTACU, UNAPEP, Global March–Togo, WIDOW–CARE, WHARC, Lift Above Poverty Organization, FOFCATO, REPTO, LTDF, Aide et Action, CADEP, Plan-Togo, African Women Empowerment Guild, GENDEV, Policy & RESEAUDEC, CARE–Togo, RESAKA

62 Uganda AMERICAs Brazil ActionAid, Literacy Network, Save the Children, CDE*, ActionAid Brazil, Acao Verde, Acao Educativa, APP/ Enhancement of Universal Primary Education in Kampala, Argentina PR, Campanha Nacional pelo Direcito a Educacao, CCLF, CTERA, Konrad Adenauer Foundation SCORE Uganda, CCF-Madrassa, DWNRO, NESCAA, CEDECA-CE, Confederacao Nacional dos Trabalhadores UNTU, Uganda National Association for the Blind, USDC, Bolivia em Educacao, CEPAC, CRIA, FETEMS/MS, MST, SAMOPS, International Care and Relief, FAWE-Uganda, National Instituto de Investigación y Capacitación Pedagógica y SINDIUPES/ES, SINSEPEAP/AP, SINPROESEM/MA, SINTE/ Council for Children, Pamoja Africa Refl ect Network, Social IIPS – CEAAL, Centro Educativo Holanda, Centro RN, SINTE/SC, SINTEAC/AC, SINTEAM/AM, SINTEGO/GO, Uganda Debt Network, CASE Uganda, TERREWODE, de Estudios y Apoyo al Desarrollo Local CEADL, Centro SINTER/SC, SINTEAC/AC, SINTEAM/AM, SINTEGO/GO, UNHCR, ANNPCAN, UNASO, FIDA, Action For de Estudios de la Realidad Boliviana, Centro Comunal SINTER/RR, SINTERO/RO, SINTESE/SE, SINTET/TO, UNCME, Development, NIFAED, SCORE, ANPPCAN, CASE, Nebbi El Carmen, Asociación Boliviana de Jóvenes, Acción Un UNCME-AL, UNCME-MG, UNDIME, UNIPOP NGO Forum, LitNet, MADARAS, Uganda Child Rights NGO Maestro Más, Centro de Promoción de Técnicas en Arte y Canada Network, UGAADEN, FENU, NIFAED Cultura CENPROTAC, Comisión Episcopal de Educación, Canada GCE Alliance*, Canadian Teachers’ Federation Instituto Radiofónico Fe y Alegría, IRFACRUZ, Centro Zambia (CTF), UNESCO, Oxfam Canada, Results Canada ZANEC*, ISRL, PAF, MILUMBO ECCD, FAWEZA, Ministry Boliviano de Investigación y Acción Educativas CEBIAE, of Education, Zambia Pre-School Association, Ministry Ayuda en Acción, Programa de Investigación Social Chile UNESCO, Corporation Option of Community Development and Social Services, YMCA, Yanapakuna, Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Catholic Secretariat, CHIN, Foundation of Hope, Edusport de las zonas sub urbanas y rurales, CIPRODE, Asamblea Colombia Foundation, Boy Empowerment International, YWCA, Permanente de Derechos Humanos de Bolivia, Carrera Entidades participantes, REPEM, FUNDAC, Centro UNICEF, Girl Guides Association of Zambia, UNESCO, de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad Salesiana, de Estudios de la Mujer y la Educación, FUNDECOM, World Vision, Child Care and Adoption Society, EFA Iniciativa Maya Paya Kimsa, Carrera de Ciencias de la FUNDEIM, CENTRAP, COMUJEB, Fundación Mujeres Secretariat, National Youth Assembly, Primary School Educación de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Madres Abriendo Caminos, Liceo Femenino Mercedes Teachers Union, Family Life Movement, Zambia Union Fundación Arco Iris, Plan Internacional, IBIS Dinamarca, Nariño, Institución Educativa Escuela Nacional de of Teachers, PANUKA, VSO, GET-NET Zambia, Zambia Centro de Promoción de la mujer “Gregoria Apaza”, Comercio, Instituto Pedagógico Arturo Ramírez Community Secondary Schools, UCZ SYNOD, Adult Capacitación y Derechos Ciudadanos, Asociación Montúfar, Federación Colombiana de Educadores, Education Association of Zambia, Ta Azimai Association Intervida, Gobierno Municipal de La Paz – Dirección de Asociación Distrital de Educadores, Campaña Colombiana Zimbabwe Educación, Gobierno Municipal de El Alto – Dirección de por el Derecho a la Educación, Plataforma Derechos ANPPCAN, GAPWUZ, ZDAWU, Dzikwa Trust, Justice for Educación, Centro Integral San José Las Lomas Sociales Económicos y Culturales DESCs-Capítulo Bogotá, Children Trust, ZIMTA, Plan International, ZIFEP, FAWEZ, Campaña “Sin Excusas” Campaña Global Contra la CAMFED Pobreza – GCAP

63 Costa Rica Preprimaria de Guatemala – UK, TACIF, TAREA, Tierra De Nin@s, UNESCO, UNICEF, Defensa de Niñas/os-Internacional DNI, COSECODENI, Guyana Visad y Yancana Huasy UNIPRIN, Ministerio de Educación Pública MEP, Education Youth Challenge Guyana, Every Child Guyana, Young Trinidad and Tobago International, Estudiantes del Liceo de Alajuelita, Women Christian Association, UNICEF, The Guyana UNESCO Escuela Nocturna Alberto Brenes, Liceo de Purral, Teachers’ Union, Guyana Adult Education Association, United States of America Escuela Nocturna Claudio Cortés Castro, Liceo del Sur, VSO NEA, Academy for Educational Development, ActionAid centro educativo IPEC San José, Escuela General Manuel Haiti USA, AFL-CIO, AFT, American Institutes for Research, Belgrano, Escuela Juan Enrique Pestalozzi, Escuela CRAD, ODEPS, UNNOH, SOFA, ActionAid, OGPAL, GHRAP, Amnesty International, Basic Education Coalition, Bread Omar Dengo, Escuela República de Nicaragua, Escuela MIOPSA, CROSS, AFAASDA, GRAF, KRFKL, JILAP, OPDPN, for the World, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, CEDPA, Porfi rio Brenes Castro, Liceo de Costa Rica, adolescentes MITPA, AGAPA, MOPS, OPDV, RFOS, R.S CNEH, OPDAK, Christian Children’s Fund, Concern Worldwide, DATA, del Programa Adolescentes madres y adolescentes MPPDK, CEAAL/Haiti, MADS, OPLA, KOP3, Seksyon, OJDA, Global Kids, iEARN (International Education and Resource Programa “Entre Compas” Defensa de las Niñas y Niños- IPT, ATAD Network), International Center for Research on Women, Internacional (DNI), niños, niñas y adolescentes de International Center on Child Labor and Education, Aldeas Infantiles SOS de Costa Rica, Niños y niñas de la Honduras CONCORDE, Christian Children’s Fund de Honduras, International Rescue Committee, NetAid, One World organización Alianza por tus derechos, Adolescentes CRS, Plan Honduras, Aldeas SOS, Save the Children, Youth Project, Save the Children, Scholastic Inc., School miembros de la Asociación Cristiana de Jóvenes CARE, Foprideh, Programa Amigos Unidos, PREPACE, Girls Unite!, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, UN EL Salvador CIARH, Proyecto Prebásica FEREMA, Ayuda en Acción, Global Teaching and Learning Project, Women’s Edge, CIAZO*, CEES, LAS DIGNAS, FUSANMIDJ, ULS, Fundación CONEANFO, Visión Mundia World Education, World Learning, World Vision de Educación Popular, CEAAL, Departamento de Uruguay Educación, Universidad de El Salvador, Instituto de Panama IDEMI, SPARC, Save the Children (UK), Oxfam, ActionAid, REPEM Coalition*, Colegio J.F. Kennedy, Comisión de Investigación, Capacitación y Desarrollo de la Mujer (IMU), SPO, Godh, ANCE, LAW, Pakistan Education Forum, Idara, la Mujer de la Intendencia Municipal de Montevideo, Observatorio del Sur (CEICOM), Ayuda en Acción, CEICOM, UNESCO, Red Voz De La Ninez Mujeres parlamentarias, Ministerio de Educación de Depto. De Educación De La Universidad De El Salvador, Uruguay( a confi rmar), ICAE FEDEC Peru Guatemala ADISUR, Asociacón Educativa Cenepa, Ayuda en Acción (Perú), CADEP, Caritas Iquitos, CEAAL, CEDER, Centro CIEP, CNPRE, Movimiento de Jóvenes Mayas, PRODESSA, Popular Labor, CESIP, CEPCO, CIPDES, COMETA, CTTU “San Asociación de Maestros Rurales de Guatemala, Centro José”, DECAL, EDUFUTURO, ESCAES, Foro Educativo, IDEL, Padre Hermógenes López, Organización Uchuqa´b Perú en Acción, PRODIA, Red Titikaka, Save the Children Tinimit, Coordinadora Nacional de Maestras de Educación

64 ASIA & OCEANIA Children Support Fund, Support Children and Young Nepal People, Krousar Yoeung, Street Children Assistance and GCE-Nepal*, ActionAid, Concern Nepal, CWIN-Global Bangladesh Development Programme, Children’s Right Committee. March South Asia, EJG, IFCD, ILO, MOE/DOE, MS Nepal, CAMPE* and over a hundred of its member organizations NNTA, PLAN Nepal, Save the Children Norway, Save the including: Anti-AIDS Students Alliance (BASA), Anti- India NCE*, Campaign For Child Right And Women Violation Children US, UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, VSO, WFP, World AIDS Journalists Alliance (AJA), Rajshahi University, Org. Network, Budheswari Club, Sahid Laxman Education, World Vision, Educate the Children, Seta Rajshahi City Press Club, ActionAid Bangladesh), Centre jubak Sangh, ABVP, Institution of Rural Development Gurans, USC Nepal, Global Action Nepal for Mass Education in Science (CMES), National Forum Programmes, DSO, HRD Org. Network, Rastra of Organizations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD), Pakistan Seva Niketan, MLKCDHR, Bhubaneswar, Basti Area Pakistan EFA Network*, ActionAid, SPO, Nirali Kitaben, Power and Participation Reaserch Center (PPRC), Oxfam- development Council, Jeevan Jyote, CIDR, Society Save the Children-UK, SPARC, PEF, UNESCO, Godh, Oxfam, GB, Plan Bangladesh, NGO Forum, Proshika, Bangladesh for Rural Development, Rastra Nirman, Lok Kalyan UNICEF, LAW, ANCE, Pakistan Education Forum, Idara-e- Girls Guide Association, Bangladesh Girl Guides, Foundation, High Hope Society, ActionAid, CARE, Oxfam, Taleem-o-Aagahi, Indus Resource Center, Human Rights Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, Bangladesh Beti Education Program, TRDP, SGA, Faran Educational Society, Scouts Association, Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Bright Education Society, SRSP, Khwendo Kor, Human Forum, Bangladesh Women’s Health Coalition (BWHC), Indonesia Resource Management and Development Center, SCSPEB, BRAC, Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB), CARE E-Net for Justice Indonesia*, Community Learning Activity Institute of IDSP, SAHE, Bunyad, Nirali Kitaben, Alif Laila Bangladesh, CARITAS, RDRS, Save the Children-UK Save Center Forum of Indonesia (FPKBM), Mosque Council Book Bus Society, Sudhaar the Children USA, Terre Des Hommes-Switzerland, UCEP of Indonesia (DMI), Teacher Association in Indonesia Bangladesh, Women for Women (WFW) World Concern (PGRI), Tamancilaki Group, Koalisi Pendidikan, Oxfam Philippines Bangladesh, World Vision of Bangladesh. GB Indonesia, Islamic School Coalition (JSIT), National E-Net Philippines*, ACT, ELF, PEPE, AER, TCP, TCI, SMP- Coordinator EFA Forum (Forkornas EFA), CBE, YPAL, Cambodia NATOW, Kulay, KMBM, Sarilaya, Pinasama, Arugaan, Naturlike, SPPM, PPLIH Bali, BPPLSP regional II, SIMPUL WomanHealth-Philippines, AMANPHIL, Lumah ma Dilaut, Aide et Action South East Asia, CARE International Pendidikan, Garuda Nusantara, Serikat Petani Pasundan, ABK Initiative, Pag-aaral ng Bata para sa Kinabukasan, in Cambodia,, National Centre for Disabled People, Pemkot Bandung, Cimahi, Pemprop Jabar, GAPURA, Tandaya Foundation, ECCD Duyog, BigLead, SOS Cambodia Trust, Kampuchean Action for Primary GEMA NUSA Children’s Village, Centre for ECCD, Kadasig Parents Education, Cambodia Border Community Development Association, Soroptimist Child Care Center, PRRM, ERDA, Organization, KHEMARA, Phnom Neang Kangrei Japan World Vision, PLAN-Philippines, Save the Children Fund- Association, Disability Action Council, Women ACE, FTCJ, JNNE*, JTU, Oxfam Japan US, CCF-Philippines, Piglas Kababaihan, ABLE, Kabarkada Development Association, Urban Poor Women Malaysia para sa GAW, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Development, Wathnakpheap, TCDAI, World Education, NUTP Human Rights Center, ASPBAE, Coalition for Betterment Hagar, OEB, Handicap International, Krousar Thmey,

65 of Education, ESSC, Teacher’s Network, CD ECCD, Turkmenistan EUROPE KASAMA-KO, Trainers’ Collective, Phil-Net – Rural Devt UNICEF, UNESCO Initiatives, College of Community Health, Management Albania Vietnam IRCCRA, ACRN, ACA, World Vision, CISP, Defence for and Development, AMANPHIL Phils, Center for Early World Vision International, Plan International, Save the Children International Childcare and Development, PINASAMA, Philippine Children, Oxfam, UNESCO Rural Reconstruction Movement, PLAN Philippines, Armenia Womanhealth Philippines, Duyog-Early Childhood Care Armenian Constitutional Right-Protective Centre (ACRPC) and Development, Akbayan! Citizen’s Party, Sarilaya, NGO, Secondary Schools, Project Harmony, Armenian Popular Education for People’s Empowerment, LAKAS, School Connectivity Programs ESKAN, Paaralang Bayan Alumni Assoc. Mindoro, Austria Paaralang Bayan ng mga Aeta sa Sambales Kyrgyz Committee for Human Rights and Rehabilitation Singapore Centre “Batiya” World Vision, PHUS-E Denmark Solomon Islands IBIS* ASPBAE, Coalition on Education Solomon Islands, Finland Solomon Islands Handicap Centre, Development World Vision Finland, UNICEF Finland, Plan Finland Services Exchange, Save the Children Australia, Literacy Association of Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands France Solidarité Laïque* et ses organisations membres Principals Association, Vois Blong Mere Solomons, (ADFE, ADOSEN, ALEFPA, AFEV, ANATEEP, ANIMAFAC, Solomon Islands College of Higher Education, Solomon CAMIF, CASDEN-BP, CEMEA, CNAFAL, EEDF, Entraide Islands Teachers Association, USP Solomon Islands Universitaire, FCMR, FCPE, Léo Lagrange, FEP CFDT, Centre, Solomon Islands Association Of Rural Training FDDEN, FGR, FOEVEN, Francas, GODF, GREF, JPA, Ligue Centres, Solomon Islands National Council Of Women, de l’enseignement, Mission Laïque Française, FDGAPEP, Non Formal Education Division Prévention MAIF, BFM, LMDE, MAE, MAIF, UNCME, MGEN, Sri Lanka FSU, SGEN-CFDT, SE-UNSA, UNSA, UNSA-Education, Interactive Children’s Movement, Kudagama Govt. School SNUIPP, OCCE, SUDE), Aide et Action France, AGIR ICI, Teachers and Children, Kudagama Welfare society Members of the Commission Education, Coordination Taiwan Sud.Partners: Etudiants et développement, LDH, Max National Teachers’ Association. R.O.C. (Taiwan) Havelaar, RNJA (Juniors Associations) Accordages, Afrane,

66 Afghanistan libre, Aïna, Aides, Atout Sud, Club Servir, Netherlands of Youth Travellers”, Tyumen Regional New Perspectives Darah, FACEEF, Hors la rue, Parada, UGVF, Valentina, Zonta GCE – Netherlands*, Novib – Oxfam Netherlands, Plan- Foundation, Regional Public Organization Club “UNESCO International Netherlands – Sphere”, Tyumen, Boarding-school of Kizhevatov, Serov, Germany Norway Volunteer Centre “Nadezhdinsk”, Serov, Association “Sirius”, Youth Initiatives Association, Voronezh Regional GCE Coalition*, Aktion Weibes Friedensband, Union of Education Norway, Norwegian Union for Public Children’s Organization “Iskra”, Kalmykia CARE, Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft, School Employees (SL), Save the Children Norway, Regional New Perspectives Foundation, Perm Regional Kindernothilfe, Oxfam, Plan, World University Service, Norwegian Commission for UNESCO, UNICEF Norway, Department of the All-Russian Public Organization World Vision Elevorganisasjonen, NAAE, PLAN Norway, SEIF Children and Youth Social Initiatives, Center for Children Greece Poland and Youth Movement Support ActionAid Hellas Polish Teacher’s Union (ZNP) Spain Ireland Portugal Alboan, Entreculturas, Ayuda en Acción, Intermon Oxfam, Irish GCE Coalition*, ActionAid International Ireland, Oikos Cooperação e Desenvolvimento, Museu Municipal REDES Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, Concern de Palmela, CNASTI, ESE de Viana do Castelo, ISU-Viana, Worldwide, GOAL, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Divutec-Guiné Bissau, Comité Português para a UNICEF, Sweden Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, Oxfam Ireland, Oikos-Angola Swedish Teachers Union, Save the Children Sweden, African Groups of Sweden, PLAN Sweden, PMU Interlife, One World Week, Teachers Union of Ireland, Union of Romania Secondary Students, Swedish Committee for Afghanistan, UNICEF Sweden, Save the Children, Federation of Free Trade Unions from BLLF Sweden, Swedish EFA Forum* Lithuania Education, Development Agency “Together” (Agentia Lithuanian College of Democracy, ASPnet, The Public de Dezvoltarea “Impreuna”, Parada Foundation – Apel United Kingdom Institution ‘Baltupi viesa’, Lithuanian Ministry of Education Programme, ASCHFR, Motivation Romania Foundation, ActionAid UK, ATL, Book Aid International, CAMFED, and Science, Social communication institute of Vilnius “Trebuie” – Romania, ARAS, Foundation ARMS – “Support Comic Relief, EIS, Link Community Development, Pedagogical University, Child and Family Wealth Centre, and socio-medical recovery for children”, ILO, UNICEF, NASUWT, NUT, Oxfam GB, Plan UK, Save the Children, NGO/UNICEF Regional Network Lithuanian Forum for Ministry of Education and Research SSTA, Sight Savers International, Ulster Teachers’ Union, UNICEF UK, VSO Child Wealth, Lithuanian Alliance of Pupils, Lithuanian Russia Council (Parliament) of Pupils, Lithuanian National Education and Science Employees Union of Russia, UNESCO Committee, National Forum of Education, Perm Regional Department of the All-Russian Public Whilst GCE has made every eff ort to check this information, Lithuanian Association of Social Pedagogies Organization “Children and Youth Social Initiatives”, The we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. Regional Youth Public Organization “Tver Association

67 The following countries also took part in Global Action GCE MEMBERS Week 2005, unfortunately their reports were not available for documentation in this Big Book: Angola, Antigua Regional and International members National Civil Society Coalitions & Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Comoros, Dominican ActionAid International Bangladesh: CAMPE Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Italy, Kazakhstan, ANCEFA Brazil: CDE Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, ASPBAE Burkina Faso: CCEB Paraguay, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand and CAMFED Canada: Canadian GCE Alliance Venezuela. CARE El Salvador: CIAZO The Global Campaign for Education has been very active CEAAL France: Solidarité Läique Gabon: CONCEG in previous years in Bosnia Herzegovina and Papua Education International Gambia: GEFA New Guinea. Due to circumstances in 2005, they were FAPE Ghana: GNECC unable to focus eff orts on a large Action Week Campaign, FAWE India: NCE although they are keen to re-energise their GCE activities Fe y Alegria Indonesia: E-Net for Justice in 2006. Global March Against Child Labour Ireland: Irish GCE Coalition Ibis Japan: JNNE Inclusion International Kenya: Elimu Yetu Coalition NetAid Lesotho: LEFA Liberia: ALPO Oxfam International Malawi: CSCQBE PLAN International Mali: ASSAFE Public Services International Mozambique: MEPT REPEM Nigeria: CSACEFA Save the Children Alliance Pakistan: EFA Network SightSavers International Philippines: E-Net VSO Sierra Leone: EFA Network World Alliance of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Sweden: Swedish EFA Forum South Africa: GCE-SA World Vision International Tanzania: TEN/MET Togo: CNT/CME UK: UK GCE Group Zambia: ZANEC

68 Glossary

“Buddy” – The more popular term for cut-out Global Action Week – GCE’s week of action, MPs – Members of Parliament friends in some countries, including the UK and which takes place every April. Some countries the US. refer to it as the Education For All Week, the NGO – Non Governmental Organisation EFA Week or the Send My Friend to School EFA – Education for All (for EFA goals see p. 70) week. UN – United Nations

EFA - FTI – Education for All, Fast Track GCAP – Global Call for Action Against Poverty UNAIDS – The Joint United Nations Initiative. Launched in 2002, the EFA-FTI programme on HIV/AIDS provides a mechanism for accelerating donor GCE – Global Campaign for Education funding to good education plans in poor UNESCO – United Nations Educational, countries. G8 – Group of Eight rich countries: Canada, Scientifi c and Cultural Organisation France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United “Friend” – A paper cut-out fi gure of someone Kingdom, United States of America UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund who is unable to go to school. Each “friend” carries a personal, unique message from the ILO – International Labour Organisation White Band – Globally recognised symbol of GCE supporter to an important person or GCAP country leader to take more action, to send my MDGs – Millennium Development Goals (see friend to school. p. 70) WTO – World Trade Organisation

GATS – General Agreement of Trade in MEP – Member of European Parliament Services.

69 The six EDUCATION FOR ALL The Millennium Development Goals for 2015 (EFA) goals by 2015 An ambitious agenda for meeting the learning Signed by 191 heads of state at the UN Millennium Summit in 2000: needs of all children, youth and adults.

1 Expand early childhood care and 1 Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 5 Improve maternal health education by 2015 Halt and begin to reverse the spread of Provide free and compulsory primary Ensure that all boys and girls complete 6 HIV/AIDS and other major diseases 2 education for all 2 primary schooling by 2015 Ensure environmental sustainability and Promote learning and life skills for young Eliminate gender disparities in primary 7 halve the proportion of people without 3 people and adults 3 education by 2005, and at all levels by access to safe drinking water 2015 4 Increase adult literacy by 50% Develop a global partnership for 4 Reduce child mortality 8 development between rich and poor countries Achieve gender parity by 2005, gender 5 equality by 2015

6 Improve the quality of education

70 A big thank you!

To all the GCE members, friends and supporters who contributed their time, energy and resources to campaigning in 2005 – THANK YOU! This book is a celebration of the impact you had on the world, and the messages you sent to demand that everyone should have an education. Alongside our members, we thank GCAP, the UN Millennium Campaign, UNESCO, UNAIDS, Hewlett Foundation and Common- wealth Education Fund. The Big Book was compiled by the GCE Secretariat, based on reports and articles sent in by national coalitions, Education International and UNESCO. In places we have relied solely on information provided to us, sometimes translating reports before summarising. Every eff ort has been made to contact each country to verify the details published in this book. We apologise for information that is incorrect and cannot be held responsible for any omissions. Each country’s campaign is truly unique and refl ects the needs and priorities of a national coalition – the opinions and political judgements in each country’s summary are not necessarily those of GCE and its Board.

Stay in touch, fi nd out more, and get involved in the next campaign…

Things are gearing up for yet another successful global campaign in 2006 – Every Child Needs a Teacher. Children, teachers, parents and communities will once again unite for the Global Action Week from 24- 28 April, 2006. To fi nd out how you can help make the case for teachers, visit: www.campaignforeducation.org

Layout and design71 by Limeblue – [email protected] 2005