Article 29: The purpose of education

Convention text

1.

The countries that have signed the Convention agree that education for the child must aim at:

  • the fullest possible development of the child’s personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities;
  • respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for the principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations;
  • respect for the child’s parents, for the child’s own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country where the child lives, the country where the child was born, and for other cultures;
  • preparing the child for a responsible life in a free society, in a spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality between the sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic groups, national groups, religious groups and Indigenous peoples;
  • respect for the natural environment.

2.

Nothing in this article or in Article 28 on Education may be interpreted in a way that limits the freedom of individuals or organisations to establish and run educational institutions. However, this must always be subject to the principles set out in paragraph 1 and to the requirement that education meets the minimum standards set by the government.

Key point

Education must help children develop their talents and use them fully. Education must also teach children respect for human rights, peace and tolerance, different cultures and the environment.

Explanation

The Convention explains what education can mean for children themselves and for the world in which they live. First, it is about the child as an individual: children must be able to flourish. This means developing their talents and using them to the fullest. They must also be able to develop mentally and physically. It is also about what education should teach children. Children must learn to respect human rights, their own language, values and culture, as well as other cultures. Peace and tolerance are important too. This includes respecting equality between the sexes and friendship between different groups and peoples. It also means respecting the world around them: nature and the environment.

This Article also says that anyone may start a school. However, there are conditions. Schools must take account of what is set out in paragraph 1 and must meet the standards that the government sets for education and schools. The government must monitor the quality of education.

Teaching children about their rights

This is not stated in this Article, but it is mentioned elsewhere in the Convention: children must also be taught about their rights. This is important, because only if you know your rights can you stand up for yourself properly. Learning about children’s rights is not compulsory in the Netherlands. The Committee on the Rights of the Child has repeatedly told the Dutch government that it should be compulsory. More information can be found in Article 42: Information.

You can read more about the aims of education in General Comment No. 1 on the Convention.