EDUCATE TOGETHER CHARTER
RECALLING Article 26.3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
"Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children"
and Article 42.4 of the Constitution of Ireland:
"The state shall provide for free primary education and shall endeavour to supplement and give reasonable aid to private and corporate educational initiative, and , when the public good requires it, provide other educational facilities or institutions with due regard, however, for the rights of parents, especially in the matter of religious and moral formation."
and RECOGNISING
1.1 That many parents have a valid preference for schools in which boys and girls of all social, cultural and religious backgrounds can be educated together in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect.
1.2 That the multidenominational schools established under the banner of EDUCATE TOGETHER are a distinctive response to the growing demand for such an option within the Irish educational system.
EDUCATE TOGETHER AFFIRMS THAT:
2.1 Children of all social, cultural and religious backgrounds have a right to an education that respects their individual identity whilst exploring the different values and traditions of the world in which they live.
2.2 Parents are entitled to participate actively in decisions that affect the education of their children. In particular, they have the right to decide what kind of school reflects their conscience and lawful preference.
2.3 Multidenominational schools have the right to be treated no less favourably than other schools within the Irish educational system, in accordance with their needs and their identity.
2.4 The state has a duty to take the identity of the multidenominational sector fully into account when deciding on policy that affects the establishment and development of schools.
and COMMITS ITSELF TO:
3.1 Support the establishment of schools which are,
MULTIDENOMINATIONAL i.e.. that all children having equal rights of access to the school, and children of all social, cultural and religious backgrounds being equally respected.
CO-EDUCATIONAL and committed to encouraging all children to explore their full range of abilities and opportunities.
CHILD CENTRED in their approach to education.
DEMOCRATICALLY RUN with active participation by parents in the daily life of the school, with due regard, however, for the professional role of the teachers.
In any area where the demand for such a school exists.
3.2 Promote fuller awareness and recognition of the identity of multidenominational sector at all levels in Irish society and abroad.
3.3 Participate in appropriate structures and activities concerned with the future development of education in Ireland and abroad.
3.4 Promote a future where multidenominational education will be as freely available to parents as any other educational option they may choose.
Formally launched at the Aula Maxima, University College, Galway.