A special event celebrating children’s rights and pupil voice is taking place on 17 November at Ross High School, Tranent.
Children and young people from schools across the county will take place showcasing their work on children’s rights and on the things that matter to them. The event will be a celebration of all of the work that has taken place as well as a chance to inspire future planning and activities.
Many East Lothian schools have achieved Unicef UK’s Rights Respecting Schools status. To be accredited, schools must demonstrate their adoption of an approach based on the United Nationals Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) across their policies and practices. Children should be aware of rights-respecting attitudes and language and see themselves as global citizens and ambassadors for others’ rights. Longniddry Primary School is a handful of double gold RRS award winners and its pupils were signatories on the UNCRC declaration when it was incorporated into Scot’s Law. The school’s children will be one of the groups presenting and will share their rights journey, how it has benefited their school and everyone in it, and the lessons others can learn.
Along with presentations there will be stands showcasing projects and activities, a special screening of a film sharing young LGBTQI+ pupils’ experiences, a social space, musical performances and refreshments. The event will be led by children and young people and key organisations in this area such as the East Lothian library service, NSPCC, Unicef UK, LGBT Youth Scotland will also be present. The event has been planned for all ages and for those who are new to children’s rights or who are looking to build on existing work.
Organiser Abby Ingham hopes that the event will be well supported by local families, teaching and library staff, community groups and other interested people. Education Support Officer Abby said: “Pupils across the whole of East Lothian have been really enthusiastic about sharing what they’ve been doing in school to understand and access their rights. This event will be a celebration of all of their hard work but should also inspire schools, families and organisations in our local communities and beyond to recognise and promote the rights of children.”