Child Rights and Quality Education Child-Friendly Schools in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)

Since the breakup of the Soviet Union and former Yugoslavia, Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have engaged in education reforms based on international frameworks. One of these, the Child-Friendly Schools (CFS) approach, is distinctively grounded in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). CFS standards are comprehensive, system-level standards that go beyond academic achievement to include all aspects of child rights. The authors explain the CFS approach; detail the strategies of a CFS standards-based system, focusing on standards; and report on CEE countries' efforts and early results as they implement child-friendly education reforms. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) declares that all girls and boys in the world are entitled to the right to survival; the right to development (including the right to be educated); the right to protection from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and the right to participation in matters that affect their lives and that prepare children to take on increasing roles of responsibility as they mature.