Young Scots in Parliament to debate Global Education

School students from eight Scottish schools joined with Oxfam, Save the Children and the English Speaking Union to raise their voices on behalf of the 72 million worldwide who have no access to education whatsoever. The school pupils from Uddingston Grammar, Boroughmuir High, Abronhill High, Aberdeen Grammar, Dumfries Academy, Stewart's Melville College, Greenock Academy and Grove Academy took part in the debating competition.

In a special debate at the Scottish Parliament the students debated the motion: "This House believes that the goal of Education for All, by 2015 is unattainable " The event marks the Global Week of Action to support Global Education.

Abraham Conneh, Education Specialist from Oxfam Liberia, who is visiting Scotland this week, said: " In 2000 every country in the world agreed that, as one of the Millennium Development Goals, every child would have access to primary education by 2015.

" Eight years later 72 million children worldwide are still not receiving any education. The clock is ticking for world leaders to deliver on what is a basic human right of every child. If they are serious about global education then they have to create an environment where governments in developing countries have the funds to support and nourish education policies. The governments are the bridge."

Jane Gibreel, Save the Children's Programme Director for Scotland, added: "Our work with young people shows that so many youngsters around the world want to learn but are being denied that opportunity. The students here today are giving their backing to Education for All, world leaders should do the same, keep their promises and make sure that every child gets an education."

Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Relations and Culture, who helped judge the debate, added, "It is important that young people in Scotland are aware of what is happening in education within a global context. By debating this issue young people are given the chance to explore the inequalities so many of their contemporaries face around the world. I back the call of education for all, education is a basic human right, and the schools taking part in this debate should be applauded for highlighting this important issue. "

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