Arrest of EI researcher in Uganda
EI strongly condemned Bridge International Academies (BIA) for false allegations made against a researcher, Curtis Riep, a PhD student at the University of Alberta, Canada. These allegations led to Riep’s arrest in May while he was conducting research, in Uganda, commissioned by EI into BIA’s operations. Riep was cleared following a thorough investigation by the police.
Mission on child labour in Zimbabwe
A mission on child labour exploring the “Out of work and into school” project was held in Chipinge, Zimbabwe, from 29 May-5 June. Significant progress against child labour has been achieved by the Progressive Teachers' Union of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Teachers' Association by raising awareness on the importance of education and by training teachers in second-chance education. To complete the project, both unions will collaborate on a children’s rights handbook for teachers’ use in classrooms and organise more teacher training in Chipinge. EI was represented by Samuel Grumiau.
Mission on Global Response in Cote d’Ivoire
In consultation with the Comité Syndical Francophone de l'Education et de la Formation, EI is exploring how to better integrate the Global Response to the privatisation and commercialisation in and of Education into the work of francophone affiliates. A mission from 4-8 June in Cote d’Ivoire examined the feasibility of a joint campaign with EI member organisations and the implementation of a research project mapping the extent of commercialisation and privatisation in this country. This work will include the active engagement of younger activists.