“Families are essential in promoting the right to education,” said Sister Jean B. Bingham, former Relief Society General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She addressed a crowded side event at the 57th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
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Sister Bingham currently serves as a representative at the European Union and International Affairs Office of the Church in Brussels, Belgium. She participated in a panel discussion on “The Role of the Family in Promoting the Right to Education for Children.”
Sister Bingham explored themes of parental engagement, early education programs, supporting equal educational opportunities for girls, and the significant role families play in the development of their children.
Sister Bingham shared with the audience her experience several years ago touring the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Among the many basic services provided to the incoming refugees, Sister Bingham spoke of the schools that were set up for the children.
“These were the happy places,” Sister Bingham said, noting that mothers supported their children’s education by providing fresh water daily for drinking and hand washing, keeping the fence in repair and rotating duties in the child-safe playground.
“Even with just one parent available, it was demonstrated that parental support had the greatest impact on children’s learning,” Sister Bingham said. She went on to share that parents are the most critical accelerators in educational programs sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ around the world.
Other panelists included Ambassadors Febrian Ruddyard and Ihab Gamaleldin (the event’s cosponsors) of the Permanent Missions of Indonesia and Egypt to the United Nations in Geneva. Additional participants were Dr. Ahmed Aref of the Doha International Family Institute and Emilio José Zeballos, a student at the Geneva School of Diplomacy.
Ambassador Ruddyard highlighted the role of the family as the first educator for children, shaping children’s attitudes and instilling values that foster an environment conducive to learning. He said family often fills the gaps where state resources are limited, especially in vulnerable situations.
Ambassador Gamaleldin observed that parents have a unique understanding of their children’s needs, aspirations and potential. That understanding allows them to seek educational paths that align with their values and cultures, ensuring that every child can thrive.
As she concluded, Sister Bingham noted that leaders “need to empower parents to provide the support and encouragement that will be most effective in the education of their children.”
The audience included diplomatic representatives from 46 member states.
The Church of Jesus Christ maintains offices with many of the world’s premier international organizations. These include the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Organization of American States.