Dakar Calls for Action
Sai Väyrynen
“The key challenge is to ensure that the broad vision of Education for All as an inclusive concept is reflected in national government and funding agency policies. Education for All … must take account of the need of the poor and the most disadvantaged, including working children, remote rural dwellers and nomads, and ethnic and linguistic minorities, children, young people and adults affected by conflict, HIV/AIDS, hunger and poor health; and those with special learning needs…” Para 19
“… In order to attract and retain children from marginalised and excluded groups, education systems should respond flexibly…”Para 33
Education for All Meeting our Collective Commitments. Notes on the Dakar Framework for Action
http://www2.unesco.org/wef/en-conf/dakframeng.shtm
The ‘Notes on the Dakar Framework for Action’ are based on the many suggestions provided before and during the World Education Forum in Dakar, April 2000. The Education for All Assessment includes overview reports from more than 180 countries and provides a solid analysis of the achievements and pitfalls of the past decade.
Inclusion does not happen in a vacuum, nor does it happen after issuing an administrative order. If Education for All is to be achieved, it has to start with the change in attitudes to make Education for All mean ALL, not just “all, BUT”.
World Education Forum Web-site: http://www2.unesco.org/wef/