(viii) the nature and scope of the obligation to respect religious and cultural practices within schools and other educational institutions. Summary • No educational institution, whether State-funded or not, may discriminate on any prohibited ground. • The State must ensure that the religious and cultural identity of students is respected and accommodated in educational programmes and institutions. • Religious and cultural tolerance should be promoted by all educational institutions. • Children have a right to express themselves in their language in all educational institutions. • Subject to the availability of adequate resources and where there are no significant practical impediments, all children should be given the opportunity to gain initial literacy in their mother tongue in State-funded institutions. • States must lead the way and provide State-funded education in minority languages, especially for indigenous people, wherever possible. • While restrictions may be imposed on wearing religious symbols in schools, States must take into account, to the fullest extent possible, children’s freedom of religion when imposing such restrictions. • No child should be forced to wear religious symbols. Discussion Introduction Education goes beyond cognitive learning and includes the social and emotional development of all those involved in the learning and teaching process.318 To promote equal opportunities, a sense of belonging, autonomy, dignity and self-esteem, students’ religion and culture must be fostered in all institutions and programmes. The interdependence of the right to education with cultural, social and religious rights requires the accommodation of all students’ religious and cultural traditions, customs and 113