The Art of Living Free Schools: Nurturing Holistic Education for a Bright Future

Written by Frida Brekk.

The Art of Living Schools[1] represent an educational project established under the umbrella of the Art of Living Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981. Committed to enhancing personal and societal well-being, the Art of Living Foundation spearheads various programs and initiatives to achieve this aim. Recognizing the pivotal role of education in shaping individuals’ lives and cognitive development, the Art of Living Schools has emerged as a distinctive educational initiative that transcends conventional academic approaches. This article delves into the underlying philosophy, mission, and transformative impact of the Art of Living Schools, elucidating their commitment to holistic education and the empowerment of students, paving the way for a promising future.

The Art of Living Schools are distinguished by their comprehensive and holistic approach to education, embracing the fundamental belief that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected and should be nurtured in unison. Rooted in the wisdom and teachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the visionary behind the Art of Living Foundation, these schools aspire to cultivate not only the academic growth of students but also their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

By integrating various aspects of human development, the Art of Living Schools empowers students to emerge as well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to make meaningful contributions to society. Through this comprehensive educational model, students are not only prepared for academic success but are also encouraged to cultivate inner resilience, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges with grace and integrity.

At the core of the Art of Living Schools is the emphasis on values-based education. Students are guided to cultivate qualities such as compassion, integrity, respect, and social responsibility. These values form the foundation for character development, ethical decision-making, and the development of leadership skills. By instilling these values, the Art of Living Schools aim to nurture individuals who contribute to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

At the forefront of the Art of Living Schools’ educational philosophy lies a commitment to nurturing character development and cultivating essential life skills in conjunction with academic excellence. Recognizing the value of holistic education, students are actively engaged in a wide array of activities that foster teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.

Through a deliberate focus on practical life skills encompassing time management, goal setting, and proficient communication, students are equipped with a well-rounded skill set to navigate the multifaceted challenges that lie beyond the boundaries of the classroom. This comprehensive educational approach empowers students to not only excel academically but also thrive in various facets of their lives, enabling them to become resilient, adaptable, and successful individuals.

Within the framework of the Art of Living Schools, a profound commitment to social responsibility and compassionate action is fostered through the integration of service learning into the curriculum. Students are actively involved in community service projects and initiatives that address both local and global issues. By actively engaging in service, students acquire invaluable lessons in selflessness, develop a profound sense of empathy, and recognize the profound significance of contributing to the greater well-being of others.

Understanding the pressures and difficulties that students encounter in our modern, fast-paced world, the Art of Living Schools take a compassionate approach by integrating mindfulness and stress reduction techniques into their educational framework. Students are introduced to valuable practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness exercises that foster emotional resilience, stress management, and overall well-being. By equipping students with these lifelong tools, the Art of Living Schools not only support them during their academic journey but also empower them to navigate stress and challenges throughout their lives with confidence and inner strength.

In line with their mission, their focus on education on girls is exemplified through a significant milestone by inaugurating an all-girls school in Parola Village, located in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan. This achievement holds great significance as the village had previously been reluctant to support their daughters’ education. The establishment of this school with 120 students marks a turning point, symbolizing a collective shift in mindset and recognizing the importance of girls’ education. These facilities are equipped and fully inclusive of free books, free uniforms and bags, free transportation, and free computer labs.

“We believe a school is not complete without holistic and quality facilities being provided for the students. These facilities not only act as basics to a decent standard of living but also aim to maintain an enabler/motivator for students and parents.”

A mentionable story of The Art of Living Schools is exemplified through Anushika Anil Kambale, a cheerful and contented student at Shri Shri Gnyan Mandir, has experienced a remarkable transformation since joining the school. Despite her conservative family background and initial fears, Anushika has become enthusiastic about her education and actively participates in school activities. Her behavior and habits have positively changed, and she now encourages her family and neighbors to adopt healthier practices and engage in spiritual activities.

Anushika’s parents credit the Art of Living’s Happiness Program for their family’s newfound happiness and spiritual growth. The positive impact on Anushika’s life has inspired her neighbors to consider enrolling their children in Shri Shri Gnyan Mandir as well. Anushika’s parents express immense gratitude to the school’s teachers and Shri Shri Ravi Shankarji, the inspiration behind the Art of Living Schools, for their transformative work in shaping children and society.

The Art of Living Schools provide a nurturing and transformative educational experience that extends beyond academic excellence. With a focus on holistic development, values-based education, mindfulness, and social impact, these schools strive to empower students to become compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals. By equipping students with life skills, character development, and a sense of purpose, the Art of Living Schools are shaping the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow who will make a positive difference in the world.

References

The Art of Living Schools website “Overview” https://www.artoflivingschools.org/about-us/art-of-living/ Last visited: April 12th

Id. “Stories of Transformation” https://www.artoflivingschools.org/stories-of-transformation/ Last visited: April 12th

Id. “Facilities Provided” https://www.artoflivingschools.org/facilities-provided/ Last visited: April 12th

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between the 16th and 30th of April, 2024

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between the 16th and 30th of April, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

April-16th-till-30th-2024-Edition

To Download it as PDF: Follow this link.

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Call for Submissions: UN Report of the Rapporteur on Violence on Women and Girls in Sport

Presented by Sara Rossomonte and Olimpia Guidi

Online violence, such as cyberbullying and harassment on social media, compounds these challenges, impacting mental health and well-being. viii

Violence against women in sport settings breaches several human rights of women. Under the Convention on the Elimination Of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, women have the right to protection of health and safety in working conditions xii, together with the commitment of the State to take all appropriate measures to ensure the elimination of discrimination of women by any person, organization or enterprise. xiii

Despite significant progress in encouraging girls and women to participate in sports, the sports landscape continues to be predominantly male-dominated, especially in leadership roles. This prevailing culture, along with a lack of transparency and a prioritization of the integrity and profitability of sports over individual well-being, has created an environment conducive to violence against women and girls. xvi

Women and individuals facing additional forms of disadvantage, such as racial or ethnic background, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or socioeconomic status, are at particularly heightened risk of abuse. Violence against women and girls in sports stems from various factors, including power imbalances, the endorsement of abusive methods under a “no pain, no gain” philosophy, the normalization of damaging gender stereotypes, the pervasive male-dominated culture within the sports industry, and inadequate governance of sporting institutions that allows power dynamics to solidify. xxvi

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32A-Call-for-Inputs-to-the-Report_of_the_Special_Rapporteur_on_Violence_Against_Women_and_Girls_in_Sport

Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash

References

1 Kavanagh, E., Litchfield, C., & Osborne, J. (2019). Sporting women and social media: Sexualization, misogyny, and gender-based violence in online spaces. International Journal of Sport Communication, 12(4), 552-572. Available at:https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsc/12/4/article-p552.xml

12 CEDAW, Article 11 (f).

13 CEDAW, Article 2 (e).

16 UNESCO & UN Women, (2023), Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Sport- A Handbook for Policy Makers and Sports Practitioners, 11-12. Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/3343_unwomen_unesco_vawg_handbook_6a_singlepage.pdf.

21 UNESCO & UN Women, (2023), Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Sport- A Handbook for Policy Makers and Sports Practitioners, 35. Available at: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/3343_unwomen_unesco_vawg_handbook_6a_sing

Addressing the situation of women’s rights in Cambodia

Presented by Ioana-Sorina Alexa and Olimpia Guidi

Education emerges as a crucial factor in addressing this disparity. The Cambodian Women’s Leadership Institute, established in 2009, offers training programs to enhance women’s leadership skills and political knowledge . viii

However, progress is slow due to various barriers. Socio-cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes often discourage women from entering politics . Limited access to education, particularly in rural areas where gender disparities in literacy rates persist, further impedes women’s political engagement . xi

In Cambodia, women’s involvement in activities promoting and protecting human rights is notable, with numerous grassroots initiatives led by women making significant impacts. One such example is the Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center (CWCC), which has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights and combating gender-based violence since its establishment in 1997. xxx

Cambodia ranks 41st out of 146 countries for women’s ownership or management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), indicating a relatively high rate of female participation in entrepreneurship compared to other nations. xxxv

One such measure is the establishment of gender-sensitive legal frameworks and policies that prioritize women’s rights and address gender-based discrimination . For example, the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Protection of Victims, enacted in 2005, provides legal protections for survivors of domestic violence and mandates the establishment of shelters and support services. xlv

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30A-CalI-for-inputs-Womens-Rights-Cambodia

Photo by Norbert Braun on Unsplash

References

viii Chea, P. (2021). Underrepresentation of Cambodian Women in Politics and Leadership Roles. Available at: https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/alfie-conferences/2021junior/presentations/4/

xi Johnston, M., Kelly, R.C., Eichler, R. (2023). Brazil’s Economy: GDP vs. GDP per capita.

Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/050815/fundamentals-how-brazil-makes-its-money.asp

Tuy, S. (2019). Discrimination against women in accessing higher education in Cambodia. JSEAHR, 3, 101. Available at: https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jseahr3&div=11&id=&page=

xxx Weaner, J. (2008). The Cambodian Women’s Crisis Center: safety, shelter, training… and then. McMaster School For Advancing Humanity, 7, 7. Available at: https://copyright.defiance.edu/mcmaster/documents/journal-2008-16-womens-crisis-center.pdf

Available at: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cuny/cp/2013/00000046/00000001/art00004

xxxv The Phnom Penh Post (2023). Cambodia advances women’s roles, aims for 2030, 2050 goals Retrieved from: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cambodia-advances-women-s-roles-aims-for-2030-2050-goals

xlv Brickell, K. (2016). Gendered violences and rule of/by law in Cambodia. Dialogues in Human Geography, 6(2), 182-185. Available at:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2043820616655017

Ukraine: Education disruption due to war

In February 2022, Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has since disrupted the education of over 5 million children, as reported by UNICEF. Despite the current relative calm and the diversion of public attention to other conflicts, the ongoing struggle of Ukrainian children to access education remains evident. This is underscored by the declining learning patterns in the PISA 2023[i]  results.

UNICEF has been actively working to reconstruct an environment conducive to education for Ukrainian children. Thousands of schools, pre-schools, and other educational facilities have been targeted by continuous attacks, consequently, Ukrainian children struggle to gain access to education. This, coupled with parental concerns for their children’s safety, has led to reluctance to send children to school. [ii]

Education is of utmost importance during times of war for several reasons. It fosters mental health by providing a routine and a sense of normalcy and stability. Moreover, it is fundamental for the post-conflict perspective of the Ukrainian population. The longer a child is kept out of school, the less likely they are to return. Therefore, limiting time away from school is incredibly important. Education also provides the skills and qualifications needed to build lives for oneself and prosperity for one’s community[iii]. In the long term, a quality education promotes peace and post-conflict reconstruction. It helps young people develop the skills and qualifications they need to build lives for themselves and prosperity for their communities[iv]. Furthermore, education can foster resilience and unity among students, for instance, the Kyiv School of Economics has continued its educational activities and launched new projects focusing on the needs of business and society in Ukraine during war[v].

Most recently Russia attacked the capital, Kyiv, a hospital, school, kindergarten, morgue, and residential buildings were damaged in the attack, with the latest update stating that 53 people were injured. Twenty of them, including two children, were hospitalized as a result of the strikes[vi].

UNICEF has been collaborating with the Government to facilitate the return of children to education. This is achieved through various means, including in-person learning in classrooms when deemed safe, as well as online or community-based alternatives. Despite the numerous challenges, nearly two million children were able to access online learning opportunities. Additionally, 1.3 million children were enrolled in a mix of in-person and online learning. However, the attacks that primarily targeted energy sources and electricity have resulted in most failures in accessing education. This makes it impossible for children to continue their education.[vii]

In conclusion, the conflict in Ukraine has disrupted the education of millions of children, a situation that has been further complicated by the destruction of educational facilities and the diversion of public attention to other conflicts. Despite these challenges, UNICEF has been actively working to reconstruct an environment conducive to education for Ukrainian children. Considering the role of the United Nations in this situation is crucial. It is not only a matter of rebuilding schools and preschools, but also of ensuring that the Ukrainian children have access to education, regardless of their location, and provide psychological support. The United Nations, through UNICEF, has a unique opportunity to play a significant role in this situation[viii].

Brazil: School system dependency on electoral volatility

Written by Mayeda Tayyab

In Brazil, the right to free public education at any level is granted by the Federal Constitution. The responsibility of providing free public education thus falls under the federal system of government, at three levels – including the federal, individual states and municipality governments- thus decentralising education in Brazil. This system has led to increased corruption and misue of resources and funding by the political parties in charge for their own interests.

Decentralisation and corruption

Due to decentralisation, the quality of primary public education in Brazil has been negatively impacted. Since the majority of schools are managed by the municipal governments (5,570 different municipalities to be precise), managing and improving quality of education is much harder.

Primary education in Brazil is funded through FUNDEB (Fund for the Maintenance and Development of Basic Education). The federal government supplements funds which are then distributed by each state among its municipalities. Mayors have much freedom in deciding how these funds are spent, creating an opportunity for misuse of resources. 

Unlike other countries where the change in political party after general elections leads to change in top civil service positions, in Brazil this change trickles down to the municipality governments – reshaping local bureaucracy. This system has a huge impact on the quality of public education in Brazil. Because educational funding is in the hands of municipalities and under the control of mayors, the reshaping of local governments with general elections leads to the use of these public funds and resources by the political parties in charge to serve their own purposes.

Furthermore, the public education sector under municipalities is one of the biggest employers in Brazil. These jobs are also severely misused by corrupt politicians to reward the supporters of their political parties either as rewards or bribes. In most Brazilian municipalities, principles are nominated by politicians, which contributes to the politicisation of education in Brazil.

Moreover, FUNDEB funds make an important part of the poor and small municipalities, coupled with the low monitoring of these funds, it creates the perfect opportunity to carry out political corruption at the municipal level. According to the audits conducted by the Federal Government Controller’s Office (CGU) between 2001 and 2003, 13% to 55% of FUNDEB’s total budget was lost due to corruption (Transparencia Brasil 2005).

Corruption in Brazil is not limited to the municipal level. National and international studies show that corruption in handling of public funds for education has damaged the quality of education. According to Ferraz, Finan and Moreira (2012), approximately 60% of the corruption cases in Brazil are related to the education and health sector. In June 2022, Brazil’s education minister, Milton Ribeiro, was arrested on corruption charges involving crimes such as abuse of power and peddling. This was the third education minister that resigned from his post under President Bolsonaro, who promised to tackle corruption during his term in office.

Hence, decentralisation and politicisation of the education system in Brazil has led to serious corruption in the sector, leading to a decrease in the quality of education and resources.

Budget cuts

In 2022, President Bolsonaro cut a budget of 450 million euros from federal universities calling such educational institutions leftists breeding grounds. This led to huge demonstrations against the cuts across the country and created a dire situation for the higher education sector in Brazil, seriously affecting the functioning of universities due to difficulties in paying the staff.

Budget cuts in funding for universities has also led to declining infrastructure of institutions, damaged buildings, broken furniture, leaks and broken elevators. Universities also cannot afford to pay cleaning staff, leading to neglect of educational spaces. Apart from the physical damage to universities, at the start of the Covid pandemic, thousands of research grants were suspended, putting the entire higher education system in danger.

Impact

Many young people in Brazil are dropping out of primary education due to the lack of motivation, low quality of teaching and syllabus, or to enter the workforce early to provide for their families. The decentralised structure of education has led to these shortcoming in the quality of education and teaching, impacting the motivation of students to continue with their studies.

While public education makes up for the majority of the primary and secondary education, private education tackles precedence at university level. This has led to a disparity between students from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds. While students from privileged families opt for private higher education institutions, student finance funding has opened doors for students from poorer backgrounds to also join these institutions, although their number remains low.

Due to the lack of a one central system being responsible for public education coupled with the politicisation of education and corruption in this sector, Brazil’s education system – as it currently stands, is under the complete power of the politicians and political parties in charge. This issue cannot be overcome unless education is completely separated from the politically motivated institutions and managed through a system and group of people who are hired solely for their skills in the education sector.

References

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between the 1st and 15th of April, 2024

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between the 1st and 15th of April, 2024. Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of  Educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

April-1st-till-15th-2024-Edition

To Download it as PDF: Follow this link.

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum currently in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Educational Challenges in Poland: A Deepening Crisis

Written by Aneta Orlowska

The state of education in Poland has reached a critical point, with concerns mounting over the future of the country’s schooling system. Recent research and surveys conducted by various organisations shed light on the challenges faced by Polish schools and the urgent need for action to address these issues.

According to a survey by the Polish Teachers’ Union (ZNP), the situation in schools is rapidly deteriorating, and its impact will be felt by everyone involved. The survey aims to draw attention to the problems plaguing the education system and highlight the need for immediate intervention. While amendments to education laws have been proposed, they do not adequately address the underlying issues.

One of the primary concerns highlighted by the ZNP is the severe shortage of teachers. It is estimated that there will be a shortfall of 25,000 to 30,000 teachers this year alone, but the actual number of deficiencies is expected to reach a staggering 55,000. This shortage has far-reaching consequences, affecting the quality of education and the overall learning experience for students. Classrooms are overcrowded, leaving teachers with limited time and resources to provide individual attention to students. This, in turn, hampers the students’ ability to learn and thrive academically.

The picket organised by the Polish Teachers’ Union on September 1 in front of the Ministry of Education and Science aims to express strong dissatisfaction with the current state of education in Poland. The main focus of the protest is the recently passed amendment to the educational law, which grants parents greater control over the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in schools. This amendment has sparked concerns among teachers and educators regarding its potential impact on the autonomy and quality of education.

Furthermore, the picket also serves as a platform to address broader issues that affect the education system in Poland, such as inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, and the lack of resources for students and teachers. By taking part in this protest, the Polish Teachers’ Union hopes to raise awareness and initiate a dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to bring about positive changes in the education sector. Krzysztof Baszczyński, Vice President of the Polish Teachers’ Union, emphasises the need for dialogue and collaboration to improve the situation. The picket seeks to engage NGOs and other stakeholders to join forces in finding solutions that prioritise remuneration, the core curriculum, and working conditions. The participation of NGOs in the protest is crucial, as they play a vital role in shaping the learning environment and supporting educational initiatives. The amendment to the educational law, which may hinder the access of NGOs to schools, is a cause for concern as it limits the resources and support available to students

Critics argue that the amendment to the educational law may further hinder the access of NGOs to schools, leading many directors to question the value of their involvement. The fear of potential repercussions from authorities may discourage schools from collaborating with NGOs, further limiting the resources and support available to students.

The concerns raised by the Polish Teachers’ Union are not limited to the amendment to the educational law. They also encompass the broader issues of staffing shortages, working conditions, and the quality of education. The union estimates that the current vacancies represent only a fraction of the actual need for teachers. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that young people are increasingly discouraged from pursuing a career in education due to unattractive salaries and working conditions.

While the government emphasises the increase in educational subsidies, critics argue that these increases are not sufficient to address the ongoing challenges. They also contend that the difference between the government’s claims and the actual situation highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and increased investment in education. This disconnect between words and actions has significant consequences, as it perpetuates educational inequality and hampers social mobility. It is crucial for policymakers to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and take decisive measures to bridge this gap. By implementing substantial reforms and allocating ample resources to education, we can pave the way for a brighter future and ensure equal opportunities for all learners, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The crisis in Polish schools is not limited to staffing shortages. In fact, the situation goes beyond just a lack of teachers and educators. The survey conducted by SW Research for rp.pl reveals a deep and widespread dissatisfaction among the public with the government’s education policy. It is clear that there are significant concerns regarding the quality of education and the scarcity of resources available to students and schools alike. This survey serves as a stark reminder that the current education system is in dire need of comprehensive and effective reforms. It is crucial for the government and policymakers to take immediate action to address these pressing issues and ensure a better future for the education system in Poland.

In addition to the shortage of teachers and concerns about education policy, other problems plague the Polish education system. These include inadequate access to mental health support, the politicisation of the curriculum, the lack of resources for extracurricular activities, and the pressing need for comprehensive career counselling. Students and recent graduates stress the need for a more balanced and well-rounded education that not only focuses on academic subjects but also includes practical life skills such as financial literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They believe that this kind of education will better equip them to navigate the complexities of the modern world and prepare them for success in their future endeavours.

Refugee students in Poland face additional challenges within the education system. Language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to support services make it difficult for students to fully integrate and succeed academically. Many refugee students have experienced interrupted education and trauma, which further complicates their educational journey. There is a need for targeted initiatives and resources to address the specific needs of refugee students and ensure their smooth transition into the Polish education system.

The educational challenges in Poland are undeniable, and urgent action is needed to prevent further deterioration. The government, in collaboration with educational stakeholders, must prioritise addressing the shortage of teachers, improving working conditions, and ensuring access to quality education for all students. Only through a concerted effort to address these challenges can Poland’s education system regain its strength and provide a solid foundation for the future generations.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial for the government to allocate more resources to education and increase funding for teacher salaries and professional development programmes. Additionally, the government should establish mechanisms to attract and retain qualified teachers, such as offering attractive incentives and improving working conditions. Moreover, there is a need for comprehensive educational reforms that prioritise the holistic development of students.

References

Cover image “Presentation for 6th and 7th graders (Poland)” via Flickr

Addressing poverty in a post-growth era and preparing for future Development Goals

Presented by Olimpia Guidi

Brazil’s departure from sole reliance on GDP is a testament to its commitment to capturing a more comprehensive understanding of societal advancement. i

Brazil’s departure from sole reliance on GDP is a testament to its commitment to capturing a more comprehensive understanding of societal advancement. iii Brazil’s commitment to inclusive economic growth is exemplified through a multi-pronged approach. The cornerstone of these efforts is the implementation of social programs, with Bolsa Família standing out as a pivotal initiative. xiv

In addition to direct financial assistance, Brazil employs a progressive tax system to ensure that the burden of public finances is proportionally distributed. xvii

Brazil’s vast geographical expanse presents both opportunities and challenges. Regional disparities in development, compounded by infrastructural challenges, demand targeted policies to address specific needs. xxiv

Download PDF

Submission-to-HRC56-report-1

Photo by Daryan Shamkhali on Unsplash

References

i Johnston, M., Kelly, R.C., Eichler, R. (2023). Brazil’s Economy: GDP vs. GDP per capita.

Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/050815/fundamentals-how-brazil-makes-its-money.asp

iii Instrumentos Internacionales de Derechos Humanos

https://docstore.ohchr.org/SelfServices/FilesHandler.ashx?enc=FhOD6sgqgzAhFXD9F%2FeKaFMm83LbFY75RhkIFGrig%2B5tjJs7gNQ6DJ5nZWpXZd3j3%2FbzfHokh%2FYie0vOljuL1pqVaADOcumbEqxBg%2BM1XfxZlOSr%2BlGopYZdvLKsURIX

xiv Sugiyama, N. B., & Hunter, W. (2013). Whither clientelism? Good governance and Brazil’s Bolsa Família program. Comparative Politics, 46(1), 43-62.

Available at: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cuny/cp/2013/00000046/00000001/art00004

xvii Immervoll, H., Levy, H., Nogueira, J. R., O’Donoghue, C., & de Siqueira, R. B. (2006). The impact of Brazil’s tax-benefit system on inequality and poverty.

Available at: https://www.scielo.br/j/rep/a/XHRzZh33LNS9rYJBXd5wRPC/

xxiv Griesse, M. A. (2007). The geographic, political, and economic context for corporate social responsibility in Brazil. Journal of business ethics, 73, 21-37.

Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-006-9194-2

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Written by Gianna Chen and Panashe Marie Louise Mlambo

Established by UN General Assembly resolution 2142 (XXI) on 26 October 1966, 21 March marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.1 On this significant occasion, Broken Chalk reaffirms its unwavering commitment to tackling educational challenges and addressing human rights violations in the education sector worldwide.

As a dedicated advocate, Broken Chalk tirelessly engages with international organizations, governments, and stakeholders to drive action on behalf of educational victims. Through extensive advocacy and lobbying efforts, the organization aims to shed light on often-overlooked aspects of human rights violations in education, urging the international community to take decisive action.

According to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, “All human beings are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law against any discrimination and any incitement to discrimination”2. Broken Chalk stands firmly with this statement and further advocates for eliminating racial discrimination in the education sector. Racial discrimination within the education system has largely impacted the fundamental aspects of learning environments, including gender bias, disability exclusion, ethnic minority segregation, and socioeconomic disparities3. One of the critical initiatives undertaken by Broken Chalk involves the diligent work of volunteers and interns stationed remotely across the globe. Their efforts focus on preparing comprehensive reports for international organizations, stakeholders, and governments. These reports serve to highlight instances of human rights violations in education, particularly in areas affected by conflict, where access to education is hindered, and civilian lives are endangered.4

The disparity between constitutional provisions and educational laws within the European Union (EU) is a matter of grave concern. While all EU member states prohibit direct and indirect racial discrimination in their national constitutions, the majority do not sufficiently address these issues in their education laws5. Shockingly, only nine states out of 28 prohibit direct racial discrimination, while only seven prohibit indirect racial discrimination in their educational legislation.6 Furthermore, harassment is explicitly refused in education laws in merely six states.

Broken Chalk recognizes the urgent need for action to bridge this gap and ensure equality and non-discrimination in education across all EU member states. By advocating for stronger legal frameworks and policies, the organization aims to uphold the fundamental right to education for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.

“Our work is driven by a commitment to promoting equality and justice in education. On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we urge governments and stakeholders to prioritize the protection of human rights in education and take decisive action to address systemic inequalities.”

As an international organization, Broken Chalk remains steadfast in its mission to achieve a local and global perspective in its advocacy efforts. Through collaborative action and collective engagement, the organization strives to create a world where every individual has access to quality education, free from discrimination and injustice.

Featured image designed by Marie Louise

1https://documents.un.org/doc/resolution/gen/nr0/004/45/pdf/nr000445.pdf?token=c7hlL3w235MsHb0oCK&fe=true

2 https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-convention-elimination-all-forms-racial

3 https://brokenchalk.org/world-education-report-2023/

4 https://brokenchalk.org/about-us/

5 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2023/745691/EPRS_BRI(2023)745691_EN.pdf

6 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/MEMO_07_257