La Houguette pupil rallies the media
Wednesday 20 November 2024
An 8-year-old schoolboy is leading the charge in raising awareness around children's rights and why they are so important.
Edward Bell - assisted by teacher Emma Feak, and supported by Head Teacher Claire Judd - contacted the local media yesterday to remind us that today is 'World Children's Day'.
As Edward, and Ms Feak, wrote: "On this day, everyone should think about Children’s rights and children should be listened to so that they can share their ideas for a better world."
First established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day, it is celebrated annually on 20 November with the intention of promoting international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.
The date has gained increasing relevance over the years, as on 20 November 1959 the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and on this date in 1989 the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which defines children’s rights to protection, education, health care, shelter, and good nutrition - un.org
As a 'Gold Rights Respecting School', La Houguette has already been recognised by Unicef for showing commitment to promoting and realising children's rights and encouraging adults, children, and young people to respect the rights of others in school.
The 'Gold' rating means that La Houguette Primary School has "fully embedded children’s rights throughout the school in its policies, practice and ethos".
Pictured: The weekly 'Rights Club' meeting at La Houguette Primary School.
La Houguette Primary School’s Rights Respecting work is led by a steering group of children from years 2 – 6.
As part of its commitment to this work, pupils are able to attend a weekly 'Rights Club'.
During a recent meeting, the pupils and staff were discussing how they could celebrate World Children's Day.
Ms Feak said that as a school it was decided that each class should make posters highlighting the different Rights of children.
8-year-old Edward wanted to go a step further though and he asked to tell the local media that today is World Children's Day and why it is so important.
Edward discussed this further with Ms Feak before sending his email to us.
"Please share information about Children’s rights with your readers and listeners to spread awareness about children’s rights and why they are important," urged Edward.
"Rights are for all children, but in many places children do not get their rights.".
Edward shared a link to the rights so adults who are unaware of the day and its meaning can read up HERE.
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