Chapter 1 - Report of the Education and Public Relations Group 1. HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION (a) Human Rights Best Practices in Schools (HRBPS) Programme Seventeen schools identified by the Ministry of Education (MOE) are currently involved in this long-running core programme. The objective is to instil awareness of human rights in students, for these to be practised responsibly toward social harmony. From April 3-5, the Commission collaborated with the MOE on a workshop for teachers from 26 Orang Asli schools. They were expected to come up with a plan to be implemented in their HRPBS programme, focusing on personality development and character building so as to help students remain in school. This is a key consideration because regular attendance has been found to be an issue among Orang Asli children. The Commission noted the teachers’ full commitment to, and interest in, the programme. The MOE agreed to set up a CRC Committee – chaired by its DirectorGeneral. Through the committee, MOE agreed to 138 schools being included in the HRBPS programme In May, the MOE agreed to set up a CRC Committee – chaired by its Director-General – as an offshoot of the HRBPS Committee. The Commission is a permanent member of this committee. Through the committee, MOE agreed to an additional of 121 schools being included in the programme, bringing the total to 138 by the end of the year under review. From 3-4 December, the Commission held a seminar for principals of the 83 schools in the peninsula that had been selected for the HRBPS programme. Representatives of 70 schools attended, with the rest being unable to come because of floods. Officials of the respective State Education Departments and principals were briefed on the concept of the programme, and responded with enthusiasm and support. Seminars for the 55 schools in Sabah and Sarawak will be held in the coming year. The HRBPS concept is explained to State Education Department officials and principals 19