183. As part of the TEVT Curriculum development, 72 textbooks of 34 trades have been reviewed and new ones developed in collaboration with teachers and other stakeholders. Various training institutions that engage in vocational training have contributed professional support this endeavor. Professional support is also provided to various TEVT institutions in order to ensure the quality of the training. In addition 25 instructors of TEVT have graduated from the Eritrean Institute of Technology (EIT) in July 2016. The right to participate in the control and management of education 184. Educational establishments promote a democratic and participatory culture in management and control. Above all, students are encouraged from early ages to exercise participation in the process and management. This is a significant dimension of all education policies, proclamations and regulations. Regular meetings with students are conducted at all levels and students share responsibility in the environment of learning and the progress. There are student committees at various levels. Furthermore, as a way of cultivating responsibility, students elect their prefects and representatives in the School committee. The right of parents and indeed of the communities to participate in the management and control of schools is thus promoted. The School Organization Regulation ensures the establishment of a tripartite school committee consisting of teachers, parents and students. The committee also functions to promote the right of students and in particular of girls in education. Right to take Part in Cultural Life 185. Eritrea came in the heels of the protracted liberation war that claimed more than 65,000 martyrs, a heavy price paid for human rights and basic values. Similarly, it lost about 21,000 in the last border war with Ethiopia. The liberation struggle and the sacrifice paid laid the foundation of a national culture upon which the Eritrean State is established. This reality embodies the values of liberation, freedom and democracy gained through huge sacrifices. It asserts the citizenship, unity, progress, and peace and stability of the Eritrean people. The transfer of these values as cultural heritage to the succeeding generation is thus an important aspect of nation building process. In this context, the respect for diversity and in particular cultural diversity is guaranteed by national law. Laws, Proclamations and Policies 186. The National codes, the National Charter, the Macro Policy and all other instruments have clearly outlined the responsibility of the Government to strengthen the national culture. Various and diverse measures have been taken to respect, protect and fulfill the right of every citizen to take part in cultural life, to beneficiary and active participant in its sustenance and access advances in science and technology. Community based ideals and approaches on cultural life are also mainstreamed in all policies and programmes of the State. They constitute an essential part of a comprehensive system and include education, defense and security institutions. The media in all its forms and programmes also contributes Page 43 of 100

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