Rights Respecting Schools
UNICEF Canada, schools and communities are working to transform whole learning environments with a consistent, rights-respecting approach. UNICEF Canada’s Rights Respecting Schools initiative uses the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a basis for enhancing an inclusive, participatory and respectful school culture for children and adults.
As a framework for educational improvement, the initiative
There are many proven benefits to this approach, including:
- Improved learning in the classroom
- A decline in bullying and absenteeism
- Increased compassion
- Improved classroom and school atmosphere
- Increased global awareness
UNICEF Canada is working
with schools across Canada to explore what it means to be rights respecting. To
support teachers and schools in this effort, we have launched an amazing new
Web site – rightsrespectingschools.ca
This site is for teachers and other education leaders who are interested in fostering inclusive, participatory and respectful school cultures.
Follow these 2 easy steps to start your school's path to being a Rights Respecting School!
1. Visit our website to learn more
2. Contact UNICEF at rightsrespectingschools@unicef.ca and invite a UNICEF Canada Education Manager to deliver a presentation at your school on the initiative
What People are Saying...
"When children know their rights it empowers them to make a
difference in their community. They become leaders. They end up
becoming more responsible for their actions for leadership, friendship,
and in relationships. They're not so much me-centered. It all comes
from kids knowing they have rights."
Denise Gibson Grade 5 teacher, Cape Horn School
"We know how to respect each other…we actually know why and how we
are respecting that person, we are listening to what they are telling
us, we are being kind to everyone. It's pretty awesome."
Allie, Grade 5 student Cape Horn
"You definitely know when you walk through the halls [of Cape Horn
Elementary] the values of the school and how the UNCRC is integrated
into everything. Rights and responsibilities are touching each part of
the curriculum and the learning process."
Miriam Miller, consultant ConnectEd: Global Learning Solutions
To see what Canadian teachers are already doing to be rights-respecting, follow the Global Classroom blog
Contact Carissa MacLennan at cmaclennan@unicef.ca to find out how to become a Rights Respecting School.
