Conference Explores Human Rights in Education

Educators from across the province are gathering today, Oct. 7, for a two-day conference on human rights in education.

Participants will explore a variety of human rights issues through lectures and workshops. They will also have opportunities to network, share experiences and get resources that will help in the classroom.

"Our public schools offer a prime opportunity for helping families to teach our youngest citizens to value and respect human rights," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "Through this conference, educators will gain insights and ideas on how to make human rights an integral part of classroom learning."

The conference draws on considerable local expertise, with presentations from classroom teachers and representatives of the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association, Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Halifax Regional School Board and several universities.

Out-of-province presenters include Sarah Kambites, who works on school programs with the United Nations Association of Canada, and Karen Mock, executive director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. They are keynote speakers at the conference.

"The main goal of human rights education is to establish a clear understanding among citizens of any country that observing and respecting human rights is a fundamental requirement to peaceful existence," said Ms. Kambites. "Human rights must be mainstreamed and integrated across the curriculum, starting as early as kindergarten."

The Human Rights in Education Conference is presented by the Department of Education with education and community partners. More information is available on the department's Web site, at www.humanrights.ednet.ns.ca .