P11: Upfront international

Building a democratic union 

The NUT recently joined an Education International (EI) delegation to Palestine to meet representatives of the General Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT). American and Norwegian teachers’ union members were also present.

The GUPT operates in challenging circumstances and the delegation discussed how to help it develop into a democratic, independent, strong union.

The first ever GUPT meeting of women was held in Ramallah (pictured above). Women discussed their rights within the union and strategies to increase membership.

Unions’ role in ‘Arab spring’

Under the auspices of education International (EI), education unions from 11 Middle East and North African countries met in Cairo in the summer to discuss the role of democratic education unions in the North African and Arab revolutions.

Delegates argued that unions and education are central to democratic change, and agreed that the regions’ education unions have a responsibility to voice the concerns of the people.

NUT General Secretary Christine Blower, as chair of EI’s Middle East advisory committee, pledged to increase the NUT’s work in the region.

Humanitarian crisis hits Somali schooling

Hundreds of thousands of Somali schoolchildren are expected to drop out this month as a result of the humanitarian crisis, according to Unicef and 13 other aid organisations. The agencies want to fund emergency education activities and

use schools as centres for the distribution of life-saving aid. Well over $20m is needed for emergency education plans to help 435,000 children and 5,750 teachers return to school this September. To donate, visit www.unicef.org.uk.

A day of silence

Supporters of the Russian organisation Vychod (Coming Out) held a silent protest in St Petersburg and other towns across Russia this summer. They sealed their mouths with tape in protest at the silence discrimination imposes on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students.