Launch of “School Works!”: Child Labour, the Right to Education and Fairtrade Primary School Resource Pack 19/11/08

INTO Press Release: Launch of “School Works!”: Child Labour, the Right to Education and Fairtrade Primary School Resource Pack

19th November 2008

Press Release: Irish National Teachers’ Organisation

Launch of “School Works!: Child Labour, the Right to Education and Fairtrade Primary School Resource Pack

A resource pack for primary schools on the themes of Child Labour, Fair Trade and the right to education will be launched today (Wednesday 19th November) by The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation today launched by Peter Power TD Minister of State for Overseas Development.

The resource pack funded by Irish Aid was developed by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation and CECESMA. It aims to increase awareness of the issues of child labour, promote action and develop sustainable partnerships.

The pack contains background and resource information and a series of lessons for children from Junior Infants to Sixth Class in the primary school.

It differs from many school initiatives in that it fits into the primary school curriculum rather than being an “add-on” for which time has to be found. It also utilises active learning including discussion, exploration and analysis.

Speaking at the launch INTO general secretary John Carr said everyone has a part to play in the elimination of child labour and the defence of the right to education. “A crucial role towards this is the raising of awareness of these issues,” said Carr. “This involves exploring the issues, analysing and discussing them, coming to an understanding of them. It also involves taking a proactive approach to doing something about them.”

Mr Carr said the pack gives teachers the resources to inform themselves about the issues and then to embrace them in a child-friendly, curriculum-friendly way with their pupils no matter what stage they are at in school. He praised the primary teachers who authored the resource pack.

ENDS