| | '''Education''' is the process, whether in a [[school|formal]] setting or [[homeschooling|not]], of acquiring [[skill]]s and [[knowledge]]. It is most familiar in the schooling of the [[children|young]], but continues throughout life. It is considered a human right, and Article 26 of The Universal Declaration on Human Rights (1948) recognizes education along with other necessities such as food, shelter, and water as a fundamental human right, and that parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.<ref>''The Universal Declaration on Human Rights'' (1948) [http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html United Nations]. Accessed 2 February 2008</ref> The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by 192 countries in 1989, affirms the right of all children to free, relevant and quality education.<ref>''Convention on the Rights of the Child'' (1989) [http://untreaty.un.org/English/TreatyEvent2001/pdf/03e.pdf United Nations]. Accessed 2 February 2008</ref> As a catalyst for human development, education provides people with the tools and knowledge they need to understand and participate in today’s world. It helps to sustain the human values that contribute to individual and collective well-being. It inspires confidence and provides the skills needed to participate in public debate. It makes people more self-reliant and aware of opportunities and rights. | | '''Education''' is the process, whether in a [[school|formal]] setting or [[homeschooling|not]], of acquiring [[skill]]s and [[knowledge]]. It is most familiar in the schooling of the [[children|young]], but continues throughout life. It is considered a human right, and Article 26 of The Universal Declaration on Human Rights (1948) recognizes education along with other necessities such as food, shelter, and water as a fundamental human right, and that parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.<ref>''The Universal Declaration on Human Rights'' (1948) [http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html United Nations]. Accessed 2 February 2008</ref> The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by 192 countries in 1989, affirms the right of all children to free, relevant and quality education.<ref>''Convention on the Rights of the Child'' (1989) [http://untreaty.un.org/English/TreatyEvent2001/pdf/03e.pdf United Nations]. Accessed 2 February 2008</ref> As a catalyst for human development, education provides people with the tools and knowledge they need to understand and participate in today’s world. It helps to sustain the human values that contribute to individual and collective well-being. It inspires confidence and provides the skills needed to participate in public debate. It makes people more self-reliant and aware of opportunities and rights. |