What are the rights of a child? On the International Day of the Child, grade 5 students from across Yorkton came to SIGN on Broadway to learn about their rights, with different organizations teaching the kids in a fun, interactive way.
Organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area, the event sent over 200 kids through eleven stations to learn about their rights. Irma Van de Bon-Nichol, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area, said the goal was not only to teach the children their rights, but also do it in a fun, interesting way that engages the child.
“It’s so every child does know their rights. Whether that’s their right to their name and nationality to one of the rights set out by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
The other goal is to teach kids what they can do if those rights aren’t being met, connecting them with people and organizations in the community they can trust for health and support.
When kids initially arrive, they draw a picture about what having rights mean to them at the start of the day. They hope that teachers get kids to do the same once they return to school, to get an idea of how their perspective has changed, explained Van de Bon-Nichol. Children were also given gift bags with information on their rights, and she said they also want children to go home and discuss their rights with their family and friends.
Grade 8 students helped with the program, serving as group leaders and taking younger students between stations. Van de Bon-Nichol said that these kids are an example of the impact this event can have.
“They remember in Grade 5 when they got to experience this, so it’s something that children experience, but they remember, and they carry it with them in future years.”
Those rights are:
The right to a name and nationality, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area.
The right to be brought up in the spirit of peace and universal brotherhood, presented by SIGN Sexual Assault and Counselling Program.
The right to adequate nutrition, safe water, a safe environment and medical care, presented by SaskAbilities.
The right to a quality education and full opportunity to play and recreation, presented by Family Resource Centre.
The right to be among the first to receive relief care in times of disaster, presented by Yorkton Fire Department.
The right to protection against all forms of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation, presented by Shelwin House.
The right to special care and support for any child who has a disability so they can lead full and independent lives, presented by Parkland Early Childhood Intervention Program (PECIP)
The right to affection, love and understanding, presented by Boys and Girls Club.
The right to give your opinion. The right to find out things and share what you think with others by talking, drawing, writing or in any other way, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yorkton and Area.
The right to enjoy these rights regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, national and social origin, presented by Kids First Alcohol and Drug Counselling.
The right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities, culture and the arts, presented by Parkland Valley Sport, Culture and Recreation District.
