- 8The Right to Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities 8.1 The right to education, leisure and cultural activities (articles 11 and 12) 367. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child requires the State to realize, respect and promote the right of every child to an education, leisure and cultural activities by inter alia: a. b. c. d. 368. Making education available and accessible to all children, especially the most vulnerable, by providing free and compulsory basic education; providing secondary education in its different forms and making it progressively free and accessible to all; making higher education accessible to all on the basis of capacity and ability; encouraging regular attendance and reducing drop-out rates; and taking special measures to ensure equal access to education for female, gifted and disadvantaged students. With regards to female learners, the State is obliged to ensure, as far as possible, that girls who fall pregnant whilst at school are supported to return to school and complete their education (article 11(6)). Ensuring that school or parental discipline is administered with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the child and in conformity with the Charter (article 11(5)). Ensuring that the education system and curriculum are designed and implemented so as to promote the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential; promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; preserve and strengthen positive African morals, traditional values and cultures; prepare the child for responsible life in a free society in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, dialogue, mutual respect and friendship amongst all ethnic, tribal and religious groups; preserve and promote national independence and African Unity and solidarity; develop respect for the environment; and promote the child’s understanding of primary health care. Ensuring that all individuals have the liberty to establish independent educational institutions, subject to the proviso that they may be required to conform to minimum educational standards set by the State. The right of all children in Sierra Leone to education is widely recognized and protected at the highest levels. It is recognized and protected by the Constitution, the Education Act (2004), the Child Rights Act (2007) and the National Education Policy and White Paper on Education (2010). Moreover, the realization of the rights 8. The Right to Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities  93