Challenges that teachers face in practicing Child Rights protection

vCHALLENGES THAT TEACHERS FACE IN PRACTICING CHILD RIGHTS PROTECTION:

♦  Inadequate knowledge and skills about child rights:

To protect child rights effectively, teachers need regular training. This training should focus on practical skills alongside academic knowledge. By empowering teachers, we ensure better safeguarding of children’s rights.

♦  Large sized classes:

In classrooms with 40 or more students with diverse potentials and abilities, it becomes difficult for teachers to pay individual attention to students and resolve child rights issues of significant number of students.

♦  Limited awareness and understanding:

 Teachers may not be familiar with the specific rights enshrined in international conventions or national legislation. This lack of knowledge can hinder their ability to effectively advocate for and protect children's rights.

♦   Balancing competing priorities:

Teachers often face multiple demands and priorities in their roles, including academic achievement, classroom management, and meeting curriculum requirements. Balancing these responsibilities with addressing child rights issues can be challenging, especially when there are limited resources, time constraints, and pressure to meet performance targets.

♦  Lack of supportive policies and resources:

The absence of or limited access to supportive policies, guidelines, and resources at the school and system levels can pose challenges for teachers as child rights practitioners.

♦  Resistance to change and traditional practices:

Traditional teaching methods, disciplinary practices, and cultural norms may not align with child rights principles. Teachers may encounter resistance when attempting to challenge these traditional practices and promote child-centred and rights-based approaches.

♦  Lack of collaboration and coordination:

Limited communication and cooperation among stakeholders may impede efforts to create a supportive and rights-respecting environment for children.

♦  Limited parental and community involvement:

Limited parental involvement, disengagement, or lack of understanding about child rights can pose challenges for teachers. In some cases, cultural or socioeconomic factors may inhibit parental participation and support in addressing child rights issues.

To address these challenges, it is important to prioritize ongoing teacher training and professional development on child rights issues, provide supportive policies and resources, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and promote a rights-based culture within schools. Additionally, raising awareness among teachers, parents, and the wider community about child rights can help create a shared understanding and commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of all children.