What Happened?
Cardiff is paving the way in empowering its young citizens through the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Award. With an impressive 80% of schools signed up, Cardiff’s commitment shines, especially at the primary level. However, the challenge remains as secondary schools lag behind, with the transition from primary proving critical for continuing rights education. To bridge this gap, Year 6 pupils are penning letters to their future secondary schools, urging them to embrace a rights-focused curriculum that is not only funded but essential for their development.
Why?
The RRSA isn’t just an award; it’s a movement towards embedding a culture of rights within the educational framework. This initiative ensures that children not only learn about their rights but also how to actively exercise them. It’s crucial that this education continues into secondary school to fully integrate these values into every aspect of school life, empowering students to thrive as informed, responsible citizens.
So What?
This drive led by Cardiff’s youngest is a testament to the power of student voices in shaping educational policies. The letters from Year 6 students to their prospective headteachers are not just requests; they are a call to action for all adults involved in education. By supporting these initiatives, Cardiff can ensure that rights education permeates every level of schooling, making it a truly Child Friendly City. Let’s champion these young voices and continue to break new ground in rights education.
Is your school or your children’s school a Rights Respecting School? Find out more and help your school join this vital movement. Contact Child Friendly Cardiff at childfriendlycardiff@cardiff.gov.uk, and we can support you in providing the necessary information and encouragement to get your school on board. Remember, coming from the children and parents, this initiative has even more impact!