CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 1 - REPORT OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION WORKING GROUP REPORT OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION WORKING GROUP Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development. Kofi Annan Concurring with Mr Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary-General, the Commission considers education to be fundamental in building a human rights culture in which the rights of all people are understood and respected, and which elevates their dignity. Education programmes were therefore implemented over the year to empower the people in promoting and protecting human rights. In doing so, the Education and Promotion Working Group (EWG) expanded its outreach to new target groups, including artistes and local authorities. Another development was the addition of 12 primary and secondary schools to the five involved in the Human Rights Best Practices in Schools Programme. As in the past, the EWG continued to promote human rights to higher learning institutions, persons with disabilities, youth, indigenous peoples and law enforcement agencies. 1. RIGHT TO EDUCATION (a) School-based Programmes The aim was to widen participation and to improve implementation of programmes. (i) Human Rights Best Practices in Schools (HRBPS) The Commission had embarked on the programme in 2009 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE) to instil human rights awareness and values in the school community. Five schools were selected for the pilot project – SMK Sultan Abdul Aziz, Teluk Intan, Perak, SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, SMK Seksyen 9, Shah Alam, Selangor, SMK Munshi Abdullah, Batu Berendam, Melaka and SMK Datuk Mansor, Bahau, Negeri Sembilan. In 2011, the programme was expanded to 12 more schools: - SMK Kuala Krau, Temerloh, Pahang - SMK Sultan Ahmad Shah, Cameron Highlands, Pahang 23