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C. International development assistance
62. Most States subscribe to the Millennium Development Goals of achieving education for
all.18 At the World Education Forum in Dakar in 2000, Governments made additional
commitments to ensuring that all children, particularly girls and indigenous peoples, had access
to free primary education by 2015.19
63. Effective participation of indigenous peoples in the development of education budgets with
relevant government departments is critical to ensure that their concerns and needs are included
and understood by donors.
D. Establishing and controlling traditional education and institutions
64. Indigenous education institutions have been established primarily to promote indigenous
perspectives, innovations and practices in an environment that replicates traditional ways of
learning. These institutions complement community efforts, particularly in rural areas, through
both traditional and contemporary institutions, to maintain traditional intergenerational
education.
65. In some examples, communities have adapted traditional ways of learning to allow
community members to systematically learn and teach indigenous cultures and traditions in an
everyday setting. The Talaandig School of Living Tradition (Philippines) and the Community
Learning Centres (Malaysia) build venues where community members can carry out activities, or
discuss and resolve issues collectively. Respected elders and other knowledge-holders in the
community make up the institution that guides the activities. Similar initiatives are being
implemented in indigenous territories in Colombia, and among the Maasai in Kenya.
66. In another example, from Western Australia, elders develop ways to stop substance
misuse, self-harm and suicide, and to promote life skills and sustainable livelihoods in their
communities through youth leadership, land management and community development.
Confidence-building through culture incorporating back to country trips for youth at risk has
been successful in getting youths away from substance abuse and returning to their
communities.20
E. Interfacing between traditional and mainstream
education systems and institutions
67. Valuable lessons can be drawn from examples of the integration of indigenous perspectives
into mainstream education curricula to promote an interface between traditional and State
education systems.
18
Background note of the Secretary-General, entitled “Committing to action: achieving the
Millennium Development Goals”.
19
The Dakar Framework for Action, UNESCO (2000).
20
Submission by the Australian Human Rights Commission.