Question

What can prevent a child from exercising his or her right to an education in some countries in the world? Check all that apply.

The school may not be able to deal with their disability.
Violence, racism, and discrimination may stop them.
They may have to work to help support their family.
Laws may prevent them from going to school.
The family can’t afford to pay for schooling.
They may lack the desire to attend school.
They may lack the ability to learn.

Answer 1

Check these (they can prevent a child from exercising the right to education):

- The school may not be able to deal with their disability. ✓
(Lack of inclusive facilities, trained staff, or accommodations excludes many children with disabilities.)

- Violence, racism, and discrimination may stop them. ✓
(Conflict, harassment, and discriminatory practices keep children away from school.)

- They may have to work to help support their family. ✓
(Child labour and economic necessity force many children out of school.)

- Laws may prevent them from going to school. ✓
(Discriminatory or restrictive laws/policies can bar groups of children from education.)

- The family can’t afford to pay for schooling. ✓
(Tuition, uniforms, books, and transport costs are major barriers.)

Do not check these (they are not valid reasons for denying the right to education):

- They may lack the desire to attend school. ✗
(A child’s motivation is not a legitimate reason to deny the right; underlying barriers usually explain low attendance.)

- They may lack the ability to learn. ✗
(All children have a right to education; inability to learn without support is a reason to provide accommodations, not to exclude.)