THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND SCHOOL GOVERNANCE In creating the learning environment, the following must be considered:  Bi-Lingual Education Adhere to the principle of human rights education, that is build up your education from where the learner is coming from, teach human rights from life. In other words, educational institutions must be required to conduct education activities in the language of the learner, and when necessary, using the national language.  Incentives for inclusion of minority issues in mainstream curriculum  “Child-friendly” or “Human Rights-Friendly” Schools   “Walk the Talk”  Preaching and Practicing The minority learner and his/her learning support system Empowerment of minorities through education should not be limited to in-schoolers. The learners’ support system for his/her education must be accorded appropriate interventions, too, such as non-formal adult education program for the parents or older siblings of the in-schoolers.  Assurances for Freedom from Biases, Prejudices  Define and establish the network system for the promotion of the right to quality education Both State and non-State actors have particular responsibilities in ensuring the enjoyment of the right to quality education by ‘minorities’ and in the eradication of discrimination and biases and prejudices. Their complementary and dove-tailing roles must be defined and established. For example, besides the education ministries, what should be the role of media, local government units, business groups, civil society organizations, and the church in the quality education of ‘minorities? What should be the channels for education to effectively reach out to ‘minorities’ and particular groups or sectors of mainstream society? All the institutions for the moulding of the citizens consciousness on human rights, tolerance with understanding, and special needs of ‘minorities’ must be harnessed.  Ensuring the right to education of ‘minorities’ who are in situations of armed conflict This year has been marked by significant upheaval in international relations, with conflicts and crises on many fronts. The Philippines, like many other countries, has decades-old insurgency. Government and anti-government forces both recruit additional forces from the ‘minorities’. More often than not, they stage their armed encounters in indigenous peoples’ lands. These encounters make ‘minorities’ become evacuees or internally displaced persons. While conflict prevention and