Information provision messages

Inform child beneficiaries of international protection about the following: 

• Education is a universal right for all children. Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to access the education system under the same conditions as nationals. 
• Their rights in the educational system, including the right to a safe and inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environment, where all children are protected from harm and treated equally. 
• Their right to receive support from their parents, adult relatives or representatives during school enrolment and throughout their participation in education.
• Compulsory schooling obligations: 
  • the minimum age for starting school
  • the levels at which attendance is mandatory (secondary education)
  • the importance of regular participation.
• Enrolment procedures (e.g. required documentation, school registration steps, participation in language, orientation and preparatory classes). Adapted educational options for children with special needs or in vulnerable situations (e.g. special schools, volunteers who could support with homework, transportation facilities).
• Available educational resources: 
  • material support (e.g. school supplies, transportation, clothing)
  • digital resources (e.g. online courses)
  • libraries, non-governmental organisations and community centres.
• Available support services for enrolment and afterschool opportunities, including contact details of the service providers.
• Children’s responsibilities to attend classes regularly and respect school rules and policies.
• The availability of the following support and services.
  • Psychosocial support services (e.g. counselling and mental health support) for both parents and children, either within the school system or outside. They are encouraged to seek support if they face difficulties adjusting to the new educational, social or cultural environment or if they experience discrimination.
  • Transportation for children.
  • School supplies.
  • Support groups for parents of children enrolled in school.
• Available extracurricular activities (e.g. clubs, sports teams, afterschool programmes) and the importance of participating in such activities to build social connections and improve language skills.
• Financial assistance programmes, grants and scholarships available for child beneficiaries of international protection.

Inform parents and guardians of unaccompanied children about the aspects mentioned above that children should be aware of, with a particular focus on the following: 

• the importance of mandatory access to education for children
• their obligation to support their children during school enrolment and throughout their participation in education, including by mediating their relationship with the educational institution. 
• the enrolment process
• support and facilities available to children enrolled in education (e.g. transportation, school supplies, afterschool options). 

Practical tips

• Organise interactive workshops and Q&A sessions for children. Consider using storytelling, testimonials and role-play to convey messages effectively.
• Deliver information in multiple formats, such as group sessions for parents, classroom activities or orientation workshops for children, printed leaflets, posters and short videos. This helps ensure everyone can access the information in a manner that is accessible to them. 
• Develop materials and deliver sessions tailored to different age groups, as the needs of younger children differ from those of older children and adolescents.
• Inform the parents — where this is in the best interests of the child — about what information has been shared directly with their children, for transparency and consistency.
• Collaborate with schools and community centres when drafting and delivering information to children. Arrange open school days for child beneficiaries of international protection and their parents to visit local schools, understand the system, receive information and have their questions answered by teachers.