Empowering children through accessible education to build dignity and a just society
At First Rights Global, we believe that education is a cornerstone of human dignity and a right that should be accessible to every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, location, or nationality. A robust, inclusive educational system empowers individuals, strengthens families, and builds a just society. Education should equip students with knowledge, skills, and moral grounding, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and fulfill their potential. Yet in both the United States and worldwide, students face barriers to quality education, from inadequate funding and disparities between school districts to systemic biases and a lack of resources for early childhood and special education.
Domestically, educational inequity remains a persistent issue, often influenced by zip code and local tax bases, leading to disparities in funding, resources, and educational outcomes. In 2022, a report from the National Center for Education Statistics showed that students in high-poverty U.S. school districts were nearly two grade levels behind their peers in wealthier districts. Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened educational disparities, with UNESCO reporting that approximately 24 million children worldwide risked dropping out permanently due to disruptions in schooling and lack of access to remote learning tools.
Education policy needs a renewed focus that reflects a whole-life, pro-family approach. This involves ensuring equal access to early childhood education, supporting educational funding reform to balance resource allocation, and safeguarding parental rights in their children’s learning environments. First Rights Global’s vision for education includes advocating for parental rights, providing holistic support for students, and championing educational reforms that respect the unique worth and potential of each child. Through initiatives focused on family support, workforce development, and equal opportunity, we aim to create an educational system that prepares children to thrive and contributes to a flourishing society where every child’s life is valued.
Parents are the primary educators of their children, with the right to shape their values, beliefs, and educational experiences. First Rights Global advocates for policies that protect parental rights in schools, ensuring transparency in curricula, access to educational materials, and the right to choose or opt-out of specific content. Inspired by parental rights movements in countries like Sweden, we seek to affirm the family’s role in education, fostering strong partnerships between parents and educators to create supportive learning environments.
Educational quality should not be determined by a child’s zip code. In the U.S., property taxes heavily influence school funding, creating disparities between affluent and low-income areas. First Rights Global supports reforms that prioritize equitable resource distribution, akin to Finland’s national funding model that ensures all schools receive equal support. By balancing funding, we can level the playing field, giving all students, regardless of background, a fair chance to succeed.
Early childhood education is critical for future academic and personal success. Yet, millions of U.S. children lack access to affordable pre-kindergarten, with the problem even more severe globally. First Rights Global advocates for government-subsidized early childhood education, similar to Norway’s model, where publicly funded preschool is available to all children. These programs foster early development and help parents balance family and work responsibilities.
Children with disabilities often face barriers to equal educational opportunities. Nearly 7 million U.S. students receive special education services, yet many schools lack the necessary resources or training. First Rights Global promotes policies that ensure comprehensive support for special education, including increased funding, specialized training, and individualized learning plans. We look to Canada’s inclusive model, where special education is integrated into public schooling, allowing children with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Education should nurture academic skills, moral character, and civic responsibility. Civics and character education provide students with knowledge and values essential for societal participation. First Rights Global supports reintroducing comprehensive civics education, emphasizing values like respect, responsibility, and empathy. Inspired by programs in Germany, we advocate for civic engagement that instills a sense of service and community in young people.
Education should prepare students for both higher education and meaningful careers. Workforce development and vocational programs equip students with skills for diverse professions, such as skilled trades, healthcare, and technology. Countries like Germany and Switzerland offer strong vocational education pathways, allowing students to gain valuable experience and pursue well-paying careers without incurring student debt. First Rights Global supports expanding vocational training options through partnerships with trade schools, community colleges, and local businesses.
In a digital world, access to technology and digital literacy is essential for student success. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the “digital divide,” leaving many students without internet or devices for remote learning. First Rights Global advocates for universal technology access, particularly for underserved or rural communities. We look to models like South Korea’s government-subsidized broadband program to bridge the digital gap and prepare students for a tech-driven economy.
Mental health is crucial for student well-being, yet schools often lack adequate counseling resources. In the U.S., high student-to-counselor ratios leave many children without needed support. First Rights Global supports policies funding mental health programs in schools, ensuring access to trained counselors and emotional support systems. The U.K. model, which mandates mental health education and support within schools, serves as an example for integrating mental health into educational settings.
School violence disrupts student safety and learning worldwide. In the U.S., bullying, assaults, and school shootings have heightened concerns over student security. First Rights Global supports comprehensive anti-violence measures, including anti-bullying programs, conflict resolution training, and peer support systems. Programs in Finland and Norway demonstrate how peer-led initiatives can create safer, more supportive school environments, allowing students to learn and grow in peace.
Education access is a global issue, with over 260 million children lacking basic schooling, particularly in conflict-affected regions. First Rights Global collaborates with international partners and UN bodies to advocate for universal education rights, supporting initiatives like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.” By supporting policies that fund education access and resources in underserved areas, we contribute to a world where every child has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.