As Term 1 came to a close on Friday, 10th, we had the privilege of engaging with teachers during a combined term-closing meeting and organisational introduction session.
While Hearts Educators has been working alongside schools, this meeting provided a deeper opportunity to formally share our mission and listen to educators on the frontlines.
A key issue raised by several teachers was the growing challenge around how children’s rights are being understood and applied in schools. Many expressed concern that an overemphasis on rights, without equal attention to responsibilities and respect for educators, is beginning to affect the teaching and learning environment.
Teachers called for balanced interventions that:
1. Promote children’s rights
2. Reinforce the rights and dignity of teachers
3. Emphasize the responsibilities and duties of learners
This important conversation reinforces the need for holistic, context-sensitive approaches in education and child protection.
We were encouraged by the strong endorsement of our work, and by calls to expand our programs into more remote and underserved areas where support is urgently needed.
It was an engaging and insightful session, filled with honest dialogue, shared experiences, and a collective commitment to improving outcomes for children and educators alike.
#HeartsEducators#Education#ChildProtection#TeachersVoices#YouthDevelopment#Zambia
