Who
makes up civil society?
In
the context of education for all, civil society can be understood
as all non-governmental and non-profit associations involved
in education. It embraces groups such as campaign networks,
teacher unions and religious organizations, community associations
and research networks, parents' associations and professional
bodies, student organizations, social movements and others.
Civil society's role in education
The
Dakar Framework for Action , calls for a broadening
of policy dialogue between governments, civil society and
other EFA partners, especially at national level. It specifically
recommends to "ensure the engagement and participation
of civil society in the formulation, implementation and
monitoring of strategies for educational development"
Though
the state has the ultimate responsibility for and authority
over education, civil society organizations play a major
role. Three distinct roles can in fact be identified:
-
service
providers where state provision is absent or insufficient.
Civil society organizations are often more flexible
than the state and closer to the grassroots and local
cultures. In many developing countries they take on
responsibility for non-formal education programmes and
are particularly successful in reaching the marginalized
and excluded through approaches attuned to the needs
and life conditions of the poor. They are particularly
effective in areas such as community participation,
empowerment, literacy, community schools, reproductive
health and early childhood education is particularly
valued.
-
innovators
and sources of 'new' thinking and practices -- important
if the EFA concept is to evolve and respond to change.
In other words, they help fill the 'ideas gap'.
-
informed
critics and advocates on a whole range
of development issues. NGO campaigns at national,
regional and international levels are lobbying in
favor of free and compulsory quality education for
children, youth and adults.
Civil society
organizations notably in Africa, Asia and the Pacific are
increasingly organizing themselves to present a coherent voice
and build systematic relationships with governments and international
agencies. This is evident at national, local, regional and
international levels. While the
Global Campaign for Education plays a strong advocacy
role at international level, regional and national networks
are emerging or gaining ground and communities are becoming
more involved in educational issues and advocacy.
What
is UNESCO mechanism for dialogue with civil society on EFA?
UNESCO's
message is clear: The Education for All goals can only be
achieved with the active participation of civil society
organizations. Therefore, following the World Education
Forum in Dakar, UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura
has made the promotion of dialogue with civil society one
of his foremost concerns, especially with reference to Education
for All. One
of UNESCO key mechanisms for continuous dialogue and joint
action is the Collective
Consultation of NGOs on Education for All (CCNGO/EFA).
Its purpose is to:
Broaden
and promote the concept of EFA within the perspective
of lifelong learning
Reinforce
recognition of the roles, contributions and experiences
of civil society organisations in EFA so that these
more directly influence national, regional and international
education policies and programmes in EFA
Mobilize
the participation of civil society organisations in
monitoring and evaluating EFA goals
Strengthen
the diverse capacities of civil society organisations,
particularly at the national and regional levels
Facilitate
joint action and cooperation among civil society organisations
in EFA through networking and exchanging experiences
For further information Please contact UNESCO contact
team, email:ccngo.efa ccngo.efa@unesco.org
Events
and publications
NGO-UNESCO
Reflection Group on EFA Meeting 21 September 2004
NGO-UNESCO
Reflection Group on EFA - Meeting 19 May 2004
NGO-UNESCO
Reflection Group on EFA - Meeting 11 May 2004
NGO-UNESCO
Reflection Group on EFA - Meeting 9 February 2004
NGO-UNESCO
Reflection
Group on EFA : Meeting of 2 January 2004
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