Advocacy

Children’s Rights highlighted as Australia celebrations National Children’s Week

Freya Lucas

Oct 28, 2020

Save

National Children’s Week, which runs from Saturday 24 October – 1 November 2020, showcases the rights of every child to grow up happy, safe and thriving, and recognises the contributions young people make to our world.

During Children’s Week, adults are asked to reflect on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and how these apply to children’s everyday lives. In 2020, Children’s Week showcases UNCRC Article 15 – Children have the right to meet together and join groups and organisations as long as it does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

Children’s Week State Ambassador for Queensland, Cheryl Vardon, said that while the week brings specific attention to the UNCRC Article 15 it also shines a light on all the rights listed out in the convention.

“It is important for children to understand their rights and responsibilities in order to keep them safe and succeeding. As a community it’s our job to make sure the rights of children are upheld and understood particularly in these challenging times,” she said.

Organisations, communities and individuals, Children’s Rights Queensland (CRQ) President Dan Marais said, are using Children’s Week to consciously raise awareness of the needs, rights and achievements of children and engage, empower and support them and their communities.

This year in Queensland more than 110 schools and early childhood services are participating in the week, including through the ‘TypeRights’ alphabet initiative.

Children aged between three and eighteen years of age are encouraged to design their favourite letter of the alphabet using drawings or artwork to express what is important to them with the UNCRC as a guide for creativity.

For more information about Children’s Week please see here.

Don’t miss a thing

Male educators in early childhood: renewed debate highlights deeper workforce questions

A recent article published by Education Daily has reignited national discussion about the need for more male teachers across Australia. While much of the public commentary focuses on primary and secondary schooling, the gender imbalance is even more pronounced in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

Inclusion under the National Quality Framework: what it means for services

Inclusion is not an optional add-on in early childhood education and care (ECEC). It is embedded within the National Quality Framework (NQF) and underpins expectations about access, participation and equitable outcomes for all children.

Observations in the EYLF: why quality matters more than quantity

Questions about observations and documentation continue to surface across the early childhood education and care sector, particularly as educators navigate increasing workload pressures alongside expectations around planning, assessment and compliance.

Peppa Pig introduces deaf character in storyline focused on inclusion

The long-running children’s television series Peppa Pig has introduced a new storyline featuring a moderately deaf character, marking a notable moment in the program’s approach to representation and inclusion.

My hands, In plain sight

This article touches on child safety and abuse-related concerns in early childhood education and care. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while reading and seek support if needed, contacts at the end.