Upholding children’s rights in education in the time of COVID-19

Rufina R. Utulo

WITH November as National Children’s Month, the Department of Education (DepEd) held the Second National Summit on the Rights of the Child in Education on November 23 and 24 – but this time, virtually.

This year’s theme is “Isulong! Karapatan ng Bawat Bata sa Edukasyon sa Panahon ng COVID-19” (Advance the Rights of Every Child in Education in the Time of COVID19!), which aims to reinforce the continuing commitment of the Philippine government, including the DepEd, and other stakeholders, in upholding children’s rights, with focus on their rights in the context of education in normal times and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to DepEd, it aims to build on the gains of the First National Summit held last year, pushing forward in shaping policies and programs to more strongly promote children’s rights in education.

Discussed during the Summit was the importance of upholding rights-based education (RBE) not only during normal times but also during public emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DepEd said it is tirelessly dedicated to upholding children’s rights in education despite the unprecedented times. The agency said the COVID-19 pandemic should not be an obstacle in safeguarding the rights of the children in education, such as accessing continuous quality education, remaining physically and mentally healthy, and being safe from violence and abuse in the different learning modalities.

Through meaningful whole-of-society collaborative efforts, the DepEd continues to respect, protect, and fulfill children’s rights in education with our partner agencies and organizations.

Nothing should get in the way of children’s enjoyment of their rights. After all, children continue to be children during the pandemic and they should continue to enjoy their rights.

Last September, the DepEd organized a webinar series on Child Rights and Child Protection in Education to help train DepEd personnel on children’s rights in education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another webinar series was conducted by DepEd to help educate parents, guardians, and caregivers on positive discipline in education. These webinar series garnered more than one million total views online.

Participants of the Summit came from different public and private basic education schools, and the central, regional, and schools division offices. There were also representatives from other government offices, civil society, and international and private organizations. More importantly, children themselves, as well as parents, guardians, and caregivers of children, participated in the two-day Summit.

The author is Teacher

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III at San Roque Dau High School