Your rights
Last November, the Commissioner for Children organised Rights 4U, a Children's Rights Course exclusively for 13 and 14 year old Gozitan children. During an informal live-in weekend, participants learnt all about the rights to which they are entitled,...
Last November, the Commissioner for Children organised Rights 4U, a Children's Rights Course exclusively for 13 and 14 year old Gozitan children. During an informal live-in weekend, participants learnt all about the rights to which they are entitled, through the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and they made these rights their own through interactive games, discussions and activities.
Personal and social development teachers were on hand in order so the young people could approach them if they wanted to discuss any personal issues.
The atmosphere was lively from the start. Although many of the children were only meeting each other for the first time, the warm and friendly environment gave the impression that the children were already old friends. Sounds of friendly laughter, popular music and lively discussions filled the hallways, and were a joy to hear.
Ice-breaking activities helped the children get to know each other even better and build a foundation for the teamwork needed for the course.
Fun activities, which added to the enjoyment, included a night hike, a DVD night and interactive games and kept everyone occupied from early morning to late evening.
Ms Carmen Zammit, the Commissioner for Children, was present throughout and explained the role of her office, and the aims of such a course. Ms. Zammit stressed that it was so important for young people to be aware of their rights and for these rights to always be respected. Workshop sessions introduced the participants to Children's Rights, found in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and they had the opportunity to engage in small group discussions, conduct on-site investigations in different parts of Victoria and prepare and give presentations to the rest of the group on their findings. The Bishop for Gozo and the Minister for Gozo, each paid a visit to the young people, during separate workshops, and held discussions with them about what they were actively learning during the course.
Feedback from the youn people who participated in the programme, showed this year's course was a wonderful and enriching experience to all participants. They particularly mentioned that they enjoyed the atmosphere of unity and to lerance, sharing and friendship and appreciated that their ideas were valued and that they were trusted with the responsibility of working together as a team. As a result of the success of the course, follow-up sessions have been arranged on a monthly basis, to continue the good work which began at the Rights 4U course.
Personal and social development teachers were on hand in order so the young people could approach them if they wanted to discuss any personal issues.
The atmosphere was lively from the start. Although many of the children were only meeting each other for the first time, the warm and friendly environment gave the impression that the children were already old friends. Sounds of friendly laughter, popular music and lively discussions filled the hallways, and were a joy to hear.
Ice-breaking activities helped the children get to know each other even better and build a foundation for the teamwork needed for the course.
Fun activities, which added to the enjoyment, included a night hike, a DVD night and interactive games and kept everyone occupied from early morning to late evening.
Ms Carmen Zammit, the Commissioner for Children, was present throughout and explained the role of her office, and the aims of such a course. Ms. Zammit stressed that it was so important for young people to be aware of their rights and for these rights to always be respected. Workshop sessions introduced the participants to Children's Rights, found in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and they had the opportunity to engage in small group discussions, conduct on-site investigations in different parts of Victoria and prepare and give presentations to the rest of the group on their findings. The Bishop for Gozo and the Minister for Gozo, each paid a visit to the young people, during separate workshops, and held discussions with them about what they were actively learning during the course.
Feedback from the youn people who participated in the programme, showed this year's course was a wonderful and enriching experience to all participants. They particularly mentioned that they enjoyed the atmosphere of unity and to lerance, sharing and friendship and appreciated that their ideas were valued and that they were trusted with the responsibility of working together as a team. As a result of the success of the course, follow-up sessions have been arranged on a monthly basis, to continue the good work which began at the Rights 4U course.