Ei-iE

Health and Safety in Schools

  1. Trade union rights are human rights 26 March 2020

    Honduras: Education union launches support programme to mitigate COVID-19 crisis

    Honduran teachers will receive extra support from their union in the form of economic aid for older adults and pregnant women, in a joint effort by teachers to offset the crisis caused by the closure of schools.

    Honduras: Education union launches support programme to mitigate COVID-19 crisis
  2. Trade union rights are human rights 26 March 2020

    Philippines: Higher education union negotiates financial support for educators during COVID-19 university closures

    The National Alliance of Teachers and Office Workers is assisting its members in negotiations with employers so that educators receive financial support during school closures in the Philippines. The union is also offering students remedial online sessions.

    Philippines: Higher education union negotiates financial support for educators during COVID-19 university closures
  3. Trade union rights are human rights 25 March 2020

    Argentina: “Seguimos Educando”, an initiative to combat the crisis

    Following the closure of schools as a result of COVID-19, teachers in Argentina are working together to create educational content that would be accessible to all students.

    Argentina: “Seguimos Educando”, an initiative to combat the crisis
  4. Trade union rights are human rights 24 March 2020

    Taiwan: prompt action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open and safe

    Thanks to the early deployment of epidemic control actions by the government, schools in Taiwan remain open with strict measures to prevent infection. The National Teachers’ Association also reacted swiftly, contributing to the effort to ensure the safety of teachers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Taiwan: prompt action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open and safe
  5. Trade union rights are human rights 24 March 2020

    Japan: Teachers’ union in dialogue with government to address major challenges after country-wide school closures

    Japan Teachers’ Union has voiced concern over students’ wellbeing during the school closures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary educators also face serious problems as classes are suspended. The union is working with the national Ministry of Education and Parliament to find solutions.

    Japan: Teachers’ union in dialogue with government to address major challenges after country-wide school closures
  6. Trade union rights are human rights 24 March 2020

    Educators in Morocco and Palestine donate wages to COVID-19 solidarity fund

    As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) spreads across the world, paralysing entire countries, underprivileged families bear the brunt of the crisis, with parents unable to work and support their children. Educators in Palestine and Morocco have decided to donate part of their wages to help the most vulnerable and the...

    Educators in Morocco and Palestine donate wages to COVID-19 solidarity fund
  7. Trade union rights are human rights 23 March 2020

    Albania: Education union uses technology to reduce impact of COVID-19

    With schools closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Albania, the Independent Trade Union of Education of Albania has moved quickly to social media and virtual group platforms to stay in touch with members. It has also liaised with public authorities to ensure that all children have ongoing equal...

    Albania: Education union uses technology to reduce impact of COVID-19
  8. Trade union rights are human rights 23 March 2020

    Ghana: Teacher unions demand complete school closure to ensure safety of all students

    Teachers and educators in Ghana are urging President Akufo-Addo to extend the four-week shutdown of basic and second-cycle schools to final-year students. This is intended to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

    Ghana: Teacher unions demand complete school closure to ensure safety of all students
  9. Trade union rights are human rights 20 March 2020

    World Health Organisation guidelines

    In order to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation and the advice of national health authorities. Misinformation during this crisis can have deadly consequences. Educators play an essential role in informing their students and communities on...

    World Health Organisation guidelines
  10. Trade union rights are human rights 20 March 2020

    Francophone Africa: Lack of consultation with education unions creates uncertainty as to how learning can continue during COVID-19 school closures

    Education unions in Francophone Africa are dismayed at the lack of consultation in government decisions to close all education establishments to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unions representing teachers and education support personnel report that they had not been consulted on the best ways to ensure quality...

    Francophone Africa: Lack of consultation with education unions creates uncertainty as to how learning can continue during COVID-19 school closures
  11. Trade union rights are human rights 20 March 2020

    Philippines: The Alliance of Concerned Teachers urges government to increase support to the millions affected by the COVID-19 outbreak

    The Philippines is currently under a State of National Health Emergency and a State of Calamity. Classes from kindergarten to college are cancelled until 14 April 2020 but the government is not conducting extensive testing nor providing enough support for the population. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers is mobilising to...

    Philippines: The Alliance of Concerned Teachers urges government to increase support to the millions affected by the COVID-19 outbreak
  12. Union growth 17 March 2020

    “COVID-19: educators and unions stand united and mobilise”, by David Edwards.

    David Edwards

    Today, teachers and education support personnel, union leaders the world over are coming together in myriad ways to find collective solutions to address the needs of their students, colleagues and communities despite enormous challenges and deteriorating situations.

    “COVID-19: educators and unions stand united and mobilise”, by David Edwards.
  13. Trade union rights are human rights 12 March 2020

    Nepal: Education union takes the lead on fighting COVID-19

    The Nepal National Teachers' Association has provided teachers with information on COVID-19 during a union workshop. It is also planning to organise as many information workshops as possible for a month. These will coincide with the celebration of the country’s National Teachers’ Day.

    Nepal: Education union takes the lead on fighting COVID-19
  14. Trade union rights are human rights 12 March 2020

    Statement | Educators must be part of the COVID-19 crisis response

    On 10 March UNESCO announced the creation of an emergency task force and community of practice that will support national responses to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in education. Educators welcome the swift mobilisation and insist that teachers and education support personnel be included in the work of the...

    Statement | Educators must be part of the COVID-19 crisis response
  15. Trade union rights are human rights 10 March 2020

    Statement | Governments must ensure the health crisis caused by COVID-19 does not become an education crisis

    UNESCO has convened an emergency meeting of education ministers to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on education. The meeting is taking place today, 10 March. The latest data from UNESCO show that a record number of students are currently unable to attend school.

    Statement | Governments must ensure the health crisis caused by COVID-19 does not become an education crisis
  16. Union growth 10 March 2020

    South Africa: Union campaigns to eradicate school violence as it marks 30th anniversary

    The South African Democratic Teachers' Union has kicked off celebrations for its 30th anniversary in the Northern Cape by launching its "I am a school fan" campaign in the province. The campaign aims to address the escalating violence in schools.

    South Africa: Union campaigns to eradicate school violence as it marks 30th anniversary