Human Rights and Education in Zambia

This study examines the views/perspectives of educators on the implementation of human rights in educational settings. In particular the study focuses and addresses factors that impede or facilitate the implementation of human rights, especially regarding the promotion of the UNCRC in schools. The study finds that educators rarely consult with pupils on matters affecting them in the school; thereby denying them the opportunity to contribute to the welfare of the school as a whole. A paternalistic attitude of adults over children is still prevalent in schools and children are still not seen as agents of social change in the school as a community. Information on human rights is still inadequate and in some cases not available to all and this in turn creates different perceptions and interpretations on the subject of human rights. However, this does not ignore the fact that human rights are making an impact in schools in Zambia especially in the teaching and learning process. The position of the Ministry of Education (MOE) on human rights is not succinct; therefore it slows down the full implementation of human rights in educational settings.