Cardus’ Joanna DeJong VanHof is part of a global initiative to create Guiding Principles on Educational Pluralism.
This international initiative, led out of OIDEL, a Swiss NGO focused on the right to education and freedom of education, and the The Johns Hopkins University Institute for Education Policy, seeks to clarify the role of educational pluralism within the framework of the right to education, providing guidance on the responsibilities of public authorities and the rights of children, parents and civil society in education.
“I believe this is a timely initiative that will make a lasting contribution to the global conversation about education,” Joanna said. “Educational pluralism is frequently misunderstood. Ultimately, it seeks to balance the freedom to educate according to one’s values and convictions, as established in international human rights declarations, with the legitimate role of the state in ensuring access to quality education that produces strong civic and academic outcomes for students. It preserves these freedoms through robust civil society engagement in the delivery of education.”
Over the past months, a first draft of the Guiding Principles has been developed by an international Expert Committee composed of scholars like Joanna, policymakers, former Ministers of Education, UN experts, and civil society representatives from different regions of the world.
The initiative is now entering its consultation phase. During the coming months, a series of Open Consultations will take place in Geneva, Paris, Buenos Aires and Johannesburg, bringing together experts, international organizations, governments and civil society actors to discuss and strengthen the draft.
Educational pluralism raises important questions regarding educational diversity, parental rights, State obligations and the right to education as a cultural right.
“This global initiative to clarify what educational pluralism is, and how it functions to create strong and healthy education systems, is incredibly important both for countries with fully established education systems, and for countries where education systems are still young and emergent,” added Joanna. “I’m honoured to contribute to this work.”
Learn more about the initiative at educationalpluralism.com.
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