One of the main Marist NGOs is Solidarity, Education and Development, better known by its acronym SED. As they state on their website, they work mainly promoting the Right to Education in Africa, Latin America, some Asian countries and Europe. In addition, in Spain they work in the field of Education for Development and Social Advocacy.
The Champagnat Global team had the opportunity to chat with Luis Naranjo, director of SED.
Three projects that stand out in SED
It is difficult to single out any specific SED project; in 2023 alone, 89 development processes were carried out in the various countries where we work. There is a typology of cooperation projects that specifically work to defend children’s rights, and more specifically the promotion and guarantee of the right to quality education. These projects are financed by
- Support scholarships: The scholarships offered by SED allow students with low economic resources to access and remain in school, something that would otherwise be difficult due to lack of means. The scholarships cover tuition fees, school materials, uniforms and, in some cases, food and transport. This reduces dropout rates, especially in rural communities or conflict areas, and ensures that children can continue their education without interruption.
- Teacher training: SED invests in ongoing teacher training to improve teachers’ pedagogical skills and equip them with innovative tools to promote more inclusive and effective teaching. Teacher training also helps teachers to address educational challenges in vulnerable contexts.
- Construction and refurbishment of educational infrastructure: SED builds and refurbishes educational infrastructure such as schools, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, toilets and recreational spaces. This is essential to provide a safe and suitable learning environment. Improved infrastructure also encourages regular student attendance by providing a comfortable and suitable space for learning.
- School equipment: SED provides schools with the necessary furniture and equipment such as desks, blackboards, books, computers and laboratory materials. This equipment is essential for students to be able to access a complete education that meets today’s demands.
These four elements are fundamental to ensuring that children in vulnerable contexts have access to an education that will enable them to develop fully and improve their future opportunities.
Which children’s rights are the least respected internationally?
Globally, the rights to education and to protection from abuse and exploitation continue to be severely violated. It is estimated that more than 250 million children are out of school, many of them living in conflict zones or in situations of extreme poverty.
The right to be protected from child labour is also frequently violated; according to the ILO, more than 160 million children work, many in hazardous conditions.
In addition, access to basic services such as health, clean water and adequate food remains an unattainable luxury for millions of children around the world.
What do you see as the most important issue facing children internationally?
Unequal access to education is one of the most serious problems. Without education, children are trapped in a cycle of poverty and marginalisation. In addition, lack of education makes them more vulnerable to other abuses and deprives them of the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
What initiatives are being taken to defend children’s rights in SED?
Within SED’s mission, the promotion of children’s rights is fundamental and therefore, in the projects carried out, priority is given to ensuring the fulfilment of children’s fundamental rights. A total of 125,415 children have benefited from the projects carried out in 2023, which represents 53% of the total target population of these projects.
The main right that SED focuses on is the right to education. The main objective of 52% of the projects implemented last year (46 projects) was to ensure SDG 4, providing accessible and quality education.
Moreover, in several countries SED carries out other projects to cover children’s basic needs beyond access to quality education, focusing on fundamental rights such as food, access to safe drinking water and protection from violence. These initiatives allow for a more holistic impact, addressing not only education, but also the living conditions necessary for children to learn and grow in safe and healthy environments.
In the area of awareness-raising through transformative education for global citizenship, educational materials are developed each year around the promotion and protection of Children’s Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. These materials are used in more than 50 educational centres, conveying the message to more than 68,000 children, adolescents and young people, as well as to teachers.
Throughout your career, what is the most surprising and moving thing you have seen in children?
Perhaps one of the things I would highlight is their resilience. Despite adversity, I have seen how children find hope and joy in the little things, and how, with the right support, many are able to overcome enormous difficulties and build a promising future for themselves and their environment.
What would you highlight as fundamental when working with children in vulnerable situations?
Working with empathy and respect, ensuring that children feel listened to and valued. Guarantee a safe and protective environment, where they can express themselves freely and where their rights are respected at all times. It is essential to work in a holistic way, addressing not only educational needs, but also emotional, psychological and health needs, to guarantee their well-being.
What can schools do to respect and promote children’s rights?
Schools should actively promote equity, inclusion and respect. Educators need to be trained in key issues such as child rights, inclusive methodologies and any other approach that promotes an environment of respect and dialogue.
Another challenge is to incorporate knowledge and learning about human rights into the school curriculum, so that children become aware of their rights and the rights of others.