The Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) in collaboration with several organisations, including the National Commission for Human Development, Democratic Commission for Human Development and the British Council, formally launched its ‘One Million Signature Campaign’ for the Right to Education on Monday. The ITA is also joined by the Child Rights Movement Oxfam Novib, Oxfam GB, Pakistan Coalition for Education and Dubai Cares. The campaigners said the right to education was the fundamental right of every citizen under Article 25-A.
The campaign aims to get one million signatures from citizens asking the government to implement the Article 25-A, which makes education the fundamental right of every child aged 5-16. The article was inserted into the 1973 Constitution after the 18th Amendment. Speaking on the occasion, campaign ambassador Ali Moeen Nawazish stressed the need for the implementation of Article 25-A in letter as well as in spirit.
He said there was a need to sensitise citizens on the importance of the right to education, as well as to create awareness amongst the policy-makers and the civil society on the issue. Programme Coordinator Faryal pointed out that the consolidated will of the government was an indispensable component in bringing about a knowledge revolution in the country, adding that the robust and rigorous signature campaign will raise awareness in the society and the paramount importance of education to realise the dream of an enlightened Pakistan. Dr Faisal Bari from FOSI asserted that education has to be the top priority for government. The campaign will be conducted throughout the country, as it tries to get one million signatures before the 2nd Anniversary of the 18th Amendment on 19th April.
