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tional exam-driven method of teaching practised in the Maldives,
with great emphasis on ‘rote’ learning. As a result, an assessment
revealed that, although communities were well aware of environ-
mental problems, they did not know how to take action to address
them. Addressing this gap through a more child-centred learning
approach, the government, in partnership with UNICEF, designed
a revised curriculum and teacher training course with emphasis
on the development of knowledge and skills and exploration of
attitudes and values through activity-oriented, inquiry-based
teaching. The new child-centred learning approach will facilitate
students to understand the world around them and think for a
sustainable future.
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in 2008, destroying hundreds of
schools. In partnership with the government, UNICEF took on the
project of re-building primary schools in some of the most affected
districts so that they could withstand future storm surges and earth-
quakes. The schools were built sustainably with local materials. In
addition to providing the children with a safe and protective school
environment, the new schools took on other aspects promoted by
the Child Friendly Schooling approach, including local participation
in the construction process and the use of the school by the commu-
nity in times of emergency. Most of these new schools
have increased children’s registration and attendance.
Some have doubled their student populations and are
also attended by children from other villages.
Preparing children for a sustainable future
Children form a large portion of the world’s popula-
tion: 27 per cent – or 1.8 billion people – are under
the age of 15.
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These children, especially poor children
in developing countries, are disproportionately vulner-
able to the impacts of environmental degradation and
climate change and will have to live with the conse-
quences of today’s decisions. The DESD represents the
power of education to unleash the hidden potential of
these vulnerable children. They are the ones who can
make the world into a better, more sustainable place to
live. A quality education based on the child rights prin-
ciples of democratic participation, child-centredness,
inclusion and safe, protective environments is the key
to unlocking children’s potential to become leaders of
a more sustainable future for all.
Child-friendly school built in Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis
Image: Carlos Vasquez