CRC/C/TLS/CO/1
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(i)
Provide expanded opportunities for vocational training and strengthen
cooperation with churches and non-governmental organizations in the area of vocational
and technical training programmes; and
(j)
Continue cooperation with UNICEF and other organizations with relevant
expertise to further improve the education sector.
Aims of education
66.
While noting with appreciation the efforts made by the State party to improve the school
system in a relatively short period of time, the Committee expresses its concern at the high
percentage of untrained teachers which severely affects the quality of education. The Committee
welcomes the State party’s consideration of the need to give more attention to indigenous culture
within the educational curriculum.
67.
In the light of article 29 of the Convention, and taking into account the Committee’s
general comment No. 1 on the aims of education, the Committee recommends that the State
party:
(a)
Further strengthen efforts to improve the quality of education through
providing appropriate pre- and in-service training to teachers and through ensuring an
appropriate living wage for teachers;
(b)
Include in the official school curriculum education on human rights,
including on the rights of the child, as well as education in important life skills, including in
connection with issues of reproductive health and the problem of teenage pregnancies;
(c)
Ensure that the educational curriculum is developed with due regard to the
nature of the indigenous culture and languages; and develop and promote cultural
awareness and practice through school- and community based education, with a focus on
the indigenous heritage and traditional art forms;
(d)
Continue to seek technical cooperation with, among others, the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UNICEF and nongovernmental organizations.
Leisure, recreation and cultural activities
68.
The Committee welcomes the attention given by the State party to school-based sport and
recreation as well as the support provided to sporting activities and events outside the school
system. The Committee further notes with appreciation the State party’s efforts to develop and
promote cultural awareness and practice, but is concerned about the obstacles posed by the lack
of adequately trained teachers and coaches and appropriate reference materials.
69.
In the light of article 31 of the Convention, the Committee encourages the State
party to: