Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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Stop the betrayal of another generation
Now is the time to call for politicians to commit to a public education service which is democratically accountable and secures equality and social justice as a universal entitlement, writes CHRIS KEATES
ANGUS REID explains the significance of Cuba’s egalitarian in letter and spirit Family Code and the pertinent lessons it holds for democracies anywhere in the world
Special report by PEOPLE’S WORLD
NICK WRIGHT considers how the isolation of Israel and a new film on the controversial Italian communist leader are creating new reference points for Italy’s left
CARLOS MARTINEZ says Cuba’s achievements in the face of a criminal blockade are startling, but the island’s future if the United States succeeds in crushing it looks bleak
AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports that far-right MPs who mobbed the event organised by Hadash may have helped raise awareness of the brutality of the Israeli right
As teachers gather at the NASUWT annual conference over the Easter weekend they will, of course, be concerned about the relentless attacks that the teaching profession has suffered over the last four years, along with other public service workers, on their pay, pensions and conditions of service.
But at the heart of their concerns also will be the children and young people they teach, as it is clear that the impact of the coalition’s education policies, cuts and reforms on pupils and their families has been equally ferocious.
Longitudinal research due to be released at the NASUWT conference on the cost of education and the impact of financial hardship on children and young people makes shocking reading.
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MATT WRACK issues a clarion call for a rejuvenation of public services for the sake of our communities and our young people
With 170,000 children living in poverty in north-east England and teachers leaving in droves over 20 per cent real-terms pay cuts since 2010, all while private companies siphon off billions, it is time to unite and fight for education, writes MATT WRACK
Almost half of universities face deficits, merger mania is taking hold, and massive fee hikes that will lock out working-class students are on the horizon, write RUBEN BRETT, PAUL WHITEHOUSE and DAN GRACE