Asia-Pacific
Global Response gains momentum in the Philippines
On 29 October, over 250 members of EI national affiliates, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, the Samahang Manggagawang Pilipino-National Alliance of Teachers and Office Workers, the Teachers' Organisation of the Philippine Public Sector and the Federation of Free Workers-Trade Federation VIII, along with students and other members of the general public, rallied to show their opposition to the corporatisation of education in the Philippines. The action highlighted the continuing expansion of Affordable Private Education Centres (APEC schools), a joint venture between global edu-business Pearson and the Ayala Corporation in the Philippines. Thanks to exemptions from the national Department for Education, these centres have been exempted from adhering to national education standards. The APEC’s operations and the memorandum of understanding struck with the Department of Education have been the subject of a parliamentary enquiry.
2nd Asia Pacific Meeting on Education 2030 in Thailand
The EI regional office for Asia-Pacific (EIAP) participated in the 2nd Asia Pacific Meeting on Education 2030 in Bangkok, from 15-17 November. This was jointly organised by the UNESCO Bangkok-Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, the UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office and Regional Office for South Asia, with support from the Government of Japan. The discussions focused on the implementation of Education 2030’s SDG 4 in the region.
Shashi Bala Singh and Anand Singh participated in the event for EI and highlighted the role of teachers in achieving the goals and targets of Agenda 2030 and the need to build their capacity to address the needs of children in difficult circumstances, gender equality, and promoting human rights and global citizenship.
Refresher course of the JTF Programme Asia in India
From 3-5 November in New Delhi, the EIAP organised a refresher course for the John Thompson Fellowship (JTF) fellows trained in October 2015 under the JTF Programme. This course was attended by the 22 JTF fellows, together with the All India Primary Teachers Federation (AIPTF) branch President or General Secretary of the participating states, i.e. Uttarakhand, Haryana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The fellows provided updates on the action plans in their respective states and provided feedback on the training received.
Shashi Bala Singh and Anand Singh took part for EI.
Global Forum on Migration and Development in Bangladesh
At the 9th Global Forum on Migration and Development, held from 8-10 December in Dhaka, education unions highlighted the key role of education in integrating migrants. Pathma Krishnan from EIAP explained the importance of SDG 4. She underlined that governments in transit and receiving countries must ensure that all migrant and refugee children, youth and adults have access to education. In addition, teachers in destination countries must be trained and supported to meet the diverse needs of migrants and refugee children.
Regional Consultation on Education 2030 agenda in Thailand
Leaders of 17 education unions attended the Asia-Pacific region meeting at the Regional Consultation on Education 2030 agenda organised by EIAP in Bangkok, from 15-17 December. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Action Aid International also participated in the consultation. Participants devised strategies to achieve the SDGs and the integration of the Education 2030 agenda.
Anand Singh and Antonia Wulff took part for EI.
