To provide a protected space of inner freedom for children requires a framework of exterior liberties

Freedom and education are inalienable rights. The European Forum for Freedom in Education (effe) promotes freedom in education. effe stands for freedom and diversity in education, equity and for networking and exchange of actors in education.

The members of effe engage for the protection of human dignity and the development of individuality of all children, human rights as foundation of education in order to enable children and young people to take responsibility for themselves and to become active members of society.

Every child hs the inalienable right to develop his or her individual talents and capacities. This right is based on the fact that the human person is the central subject of the development process.

(United Nations Declaration1986)

The educational process should help all children to exercise the right to develop within their own social and cultural environment. However, education can only achieve this aim if it is created in a spirit of freedom and responsibility. In other words: the protected space of this inner freedom to develop requires a framework of exterior liberties which need to be formally guaranteed.

The free development of the personality requires educational spaces that give autonomy to students and teachers. Freedom entails responsibility. Individual freedom and responsibility for society go hand in hand.

1. The right to Education

Education is a human right and is not limited by the fences of refugee camps, international borders or country lines. The responsibility to guarantee this right is a task for European society as a whole.

2. Freedom of Education

The free development of the personality requires educational spaces that give autonomy to students and teachers. In accordance with a modern civil society freedom also entails the mutual responsibility of all participants (students, teachers, parents).

3. Diversity in Education

Diversity in education is the motto of the European Union. For educational institutions this means that schools require autonomy with regard to their educational objectives and the realization of these objectives (in terms of staffing, organisation and finances). Diversity of provision allows parents a free choice of school in keeping with their religious, political or educational views.

4. Equality of Opportunity

Equality of opportunity arises from diversity of opportunity: children need to have access to different kinds of schools and forms of education, regardless of background, economic or social situation.

5. Inclusion

Inclusion means to support every child according to his or her individual needs. Inclusion overrides curricula, if individual cases require this. Children with and without disabilities can thus learn and flourish together.

6. Educational Quality

To achieve educational quality we need to ensure that the needs of all children and young people are met on their individual journeys through life and education.

7. Equality of schools

Article 14, 1 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the freedom to establish educational institutions. Article 14, 3 of this Charter states that public and private school boards need to be provided with the same conditions.

8. Teacher Training as a Formation of Personality

Teacher's characters and personalities are of fundamental importance for the educational success of their students. Teacher training therefore needs to include character education first and foremost. Pedagogical training must therefore be practically oriented in this way.

9. Educational Transition

Educational opportunities must not end with the completion of school or training. Transition between school and university or school and professional life requires openness and a knowledge of the respective educational situation.

10. School as a Place to Learn and to Live

Educational institutions are places to learn and to live. Children, young people and adults have the same right to protection and self-determination. The needs of all students have to be equally considered.

It is the task of the European Union and its member states to protect and respect education and freedom as laid out in the aforementioned demands.

The members of effe are campaigning

... to make human rights the basis of all education

... to protect every child's human rights and the promotion of his or her individual development

... to enable children and young people to grow up as responsible and active members of society

Education as a human right is not limited by the fences of refugee camps. international borders or country lines. The responsibility to guarantee this right is a task for European society as a whole.