The Rights Respecting School Award encourages pupils and teachers to understand and respect their rights and responsibilities.
UNICEF UK/2009/Thomas Hanley
Did you know you have rights? Your opinions are important and have the power to change how governments operate.
Almost all of the world’s countries have signed a convention promising that all children under 18 have the right not only to be healthy and educated but also to be heard - to express an opinion when adults make decisions that affect them.
Young people have the right to speak out on matters that affect them – and this right is crucial to a democracy. This is why UNICEF has teamed up with schools across the UK to create the Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA).
Audio feature: Listen to what pupils of a Rights Respecting School think about child rights.
Active student participation is a key characteristic of the award. Being involved in the RRSA means you can be more involved in decisions about how your school is run. For example you can:
- Have input into how you are taught
- Learn from each other through peer education
- Learn about building positive relationships
- Help to create a school environment where people work together to reduce bullying and conflict
- Learn about your rights and those of young people all around the world
- Even suggest changes to your school lunches or maybe you have an opinion about you school uniform!
For more information on how to get your school involved in UNICEF’s new scheme ask your teacher to visit the UNICEF website and click on the following links:
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Do you think your school should work towards achieving the Rights Respecting School Award?