In 2022, we started on our UNICEF journey, and obtained the ‘Bronze: Rights Committed’ status, which is the first stage of the Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA).
There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting School:
- wellbeing
- participation
- relationships
- self-esteem
The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.
- Children are healthier and happier
- Children feel safe
- Children have better relationships
- Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world
Our Achievements
Here’s an update of where we are so far:
- Students from years 3-6 are members of our wonderful UNICEF Committee
- We are now working towards the ‘Silver: Rights Aware’ status
- All children are learning about who and what UNICEF stands for
- The children have improved parking so it is safer for our children
- The committee have designed their own UNICEF logo
- They have promoted helping others in different countries by asking for filled shoeboxes to be sent to children for Christmas
- They have written to Councillor Alastair Adams, asking him to come to Honeybourne to discuss the speed limit, adding another pedestrian crossing and lots more!
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is the basis of all of UNICEF’s work. It is the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced and is the most widely-ratified international human rights treaty in history.
The Convention has 54 articles that cover all aspects of a child’s life and set out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all children everywhere are entitled to. It also explains how adults and governments must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights.
Every child has rights “without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status” (Article 2).
This fits perfectly with Honeybourne’s ethos; it is important for all our young people to be aware of their rights, ensure their protection and have the best start in life.
Each week the children will be learning about their rights and we will be keeping parents and carers informed via our newsletters to help make all of our lives more secure, meaningful, connected and fruitful.
