ABSTRACT
Access to education had for long been recognized as a fundamental human right. The Convention promoted the introduction of free secondary education and provision of financial assistance when needed, as well as the adoption of measures to encourage regular school attendance and the reduction of drop-outs. The Convention had a unique potential to shape an influential process of social change. But its far-reaching provisions risked remaining a nice ideal if action was not taken to translate them into a reality for children across nations. A human rights treaty included binding provisions on the care, wellbeing and development of children and addressed states' accountability for the realization of the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the child. John Bennett used his strong experience in early childhood policies and deep belief in the dignity of the child and the value of learning to help bridge the gap between the vision of the Convention and reality on the ground.
