School holidays

According to a News Report, Tamilnadu Government's Department of School Education has declared 26 September to 4 October as holidays for students. This comes immediately after the 1st term exams. The Department has given clear instruction to all Heads of Schools and Education Officers that no classes should be held during these holidays. 

It is a very welcome move as it will ensure that children enjoy their holidays without being put under pressure to attend 'special classes' and needless events convened by schools to exploit parents and collect fees for such events.

International Literacy Day

All countries celeberated yesterday as International Literacy Day. Let me share an interesting article on the importance basic literary skills here.

In 2000, World Education Forum held in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa (from 26 to 28 April 2000) adopted the historic 'Education For All' campaign that was closely associated with Guidelines from UNESCO and several International Organisations. Many countries implemented  the recommendations listed in the Education For All document. 

Many countries including India drafted policies toward 'Child Friendly Schools'. As Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, I  remember Cambodian Government's initiatives in realising EFA all over the country with special emphasis in remote areas. 

It was a very vibrant period of school education reforms in all UN Member countries. EFA also led to landmark reforms such as Right to Education Act in India. 

However many countries including India didn't achieve EFA Goals. Although these Governments do seem to work toward EFA Goals, they need to strive harder to reach the EFA aims as early as possible such that it benefits the most important stakeholder: Children.

As a K-12 Education Management Professional, I have had memorable experiences of serving in six countries. I have shared my experiences in my book with the hope that it will be of immense use to Secondary School Education Policy Makers and Professionals towards EFA.