AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Local Partnerships Set to Release Huron and Perth Charter of Rights of Children and Youth Calendar

In recognition of the National Day of the Child on November 20, local agencies from Perth and Huron Counties are preparing a local Charter of Rights of Children and Youth. Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB), Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB), community agencies, and child care providers have collaborated with children across Huron and Perth counties to create a Charter of Rights of Children and Youth that represents the views and voices of local children and youth.

Despite the fact that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children was signed by Canada in 1990 and ratified in Parliament in 1991, many of us are not aware that it exists or are not able to name the rights that have been identified. For instance, did you know, The Convention of Rights of Children includes:

THE RIGHT TO:

• Protection from abuse, exploitation, and harm
• Provision for adequate basic needs, education, health care 
• Participation in choices that impact their life and well-being 

The local Charter of Rights of Children and Youth will appear as a calendar that will be distributed in December across Huron and Perth Counties in places such as schools and libraries. The calendar will feature the artwork and faces of children and youth from Huron and Perth, as they explain what rights mean to them.

"Several organizations and agencies in Huron and Perth Counties came together in 2014 to plan this project," said Diane Millian with Huron County Children's Services. "In the spring of 2019, preschool, elementary and secondary school aged children and youth from across Huron and Perth were invited to identify their rights through their actions, words and art. Twelve common themes emerged, which we have placed into the calendar."

Mary-Jo Drager with HPCDSB, and Jodi Regier, with AMDSB, give thanks to the children and youth for sharing their voices. "The contribution of the children's thoughts and expressions, from preschool through secondary school, was invaluable to creating the basis for a local Charter that reflects the voices of the children and youth it is intended to represent" said Regier.

Over the coming year, the voices of children and youth will continue to be heard as we invite them to share what their responsibilities are when it comes to each right. From there, the responsibilities that we have as adults in ensuring their rights will also be developed.