Demands on education policies

The European Forum for Freedom in Education (effe) is calling for:  

 

1. The Right to Education

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

 

2. Freedom in 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 realisation 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 = Formation of Personality

Teachers' 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 member states to protect and respect education and freedom as laid out in the aforementioned demands.