The Kumawu District Education Directorate, in collaboration with the Geneva Office for Human Rights Education, has hosted a 3-day workshop on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
The workshop started from Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Kumawu Presbyterian Church, aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of human rights principles and equip them with skills to better promote these rights in educational settings.
The event attracted a range of key stakeholders, including Mr. Kwame Oduro-Owusu, the District Director of Education, along with four heads of departments from the Sekyere Kumawu Education Office, office staff, senior high school (SHS) heads and teachers, as well as basic school heads and teachers. Additionally, Wayne M. Samuelson and his wife Marianne Samuelson are Country Directors for GO-HRE in the Ashanti Region, and other representatives from the Geneva Office for Human Rights Education were present to guide and facilitate the sessions.
Mr. Kwame Oduro-Owusu welcomed all participants to the workshop and extended a special acknowledgment to the facilitators from the Geneva Office for Human Rights Education. He expressed his appreciation for their commitment to creating a meaningful learning experience and encouraged all attendees to actively engage with the workshop content. Mr. Oduro-Owusu emphasized the importance of the workshop as an opportunity for participants to gain practical knowledge about human rights, particularly those concerning children, and to seek clarifications whenever needed.
The facilitators from the Geneva Office for Human Rights Education delved into the core values and objectives of the organization, explaining its mission to promote human rights education worldwide and highlighting the critical need to protect and nurture children’s rights. Drawing upon the UDHR and CRC, they outlined the foundational rights to which every child is entitled, highlighting the importance of teaching children about their rights, responsibilities, and the proper channels through which they can exercise them.
One of the central messages of the workshop was the idea that every human (child) has an inherent, equal and inalienable rights. Facilitators stressed that children’s rights are universal, and respecting them is essential to fostering a just and inclusive society. They focused on several specific rights that are fundamental to a child’s development and protection. Key areas covered included the Right to Education, the Right to Life, Freedom, and Security, the Right to Protection from Discrimination, and the Right to Freedom from Torture or Bullying. Additionally, they addressed children’s Right to Marriage and a Family, the Right to Freedom of Expression, the Right to Legal Recognition, and the Right to Protection from Child Labor.
The workshop also aimed to equip educators with strategies to incorporate human rights values into their daily interactions with children. Facilitators emphasized that promoting respect, tolerance, and understanding in the classroom environment is vital for promoting a culture of human rights among students. They encouraged teachers to be proactive in teaching these principles, reminding them that children who understand their rights are better equipped to respect the rights of others, contributing to a more harmonious society.
The sessions were interactive, providing opportunity for participants to ask questions, discuss concerns, and share ideas. Teachers and school heads expressed their appreciation for the practical insights provided by the facilitators, noting that the training had broadened their understanding of human rights and equipped them with valuable tools to guide their students.
The facilitators from the Geneva Office for Human Rights Education praised the participants’ active engagement, reiterating that such collaboration is essential for effective human rights education.
As the workshop concluded, Mr. Oduro-Owusu encouraged participants to integrate the lessons learned into their teaching practices. He highlighted the importance of instilling human rights values early on, as these are fundamental to raising responsible and empowered future leaders.
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The workshop has broadened my understanding of human rights and equipped me with valuable tools to guide my learners.
The workshop was very educative and insightful. Have learnt to practicalize my lessons for direct impact on learners.
Your program organization, presentation and everything was superb. Keep it up to refresh facilitators and other stakeholders of education. Thank you