Putting children’s rights at the heart of school life, where children feel respected and their talents nurtured are key aims of UNICEF’s Rights Respecting School Awards (RRSA). Staff and children across fifteen Argyll and Bute Schools have worked hard to embed the award values in daily school life resulting in gold, silver and bronze awards. This is a significant step towards the council becoming a Rights Respecting Education Service.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the programme focuses on giving children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and be responsible, active citizens.
The schools have worked on a number of projects based on RRSA principles including equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation. They include showing support with peace in Ukraine, campaigning for refugee children to be able to access their rights and creating posters, articles and leaflets that promote the rights of the child.
Gold
Cardross Primary School
Easdale Primary School
Hermitage Primary School
Silver
Colgrain Primary School
Toward Primary School
Innellan Primary School
Castlehill Primary School
Port Ellen Primary School
Glenbarr Primary School
Dalintober Primary School
Strath of Appin Primary School
Bronze
Garelochhead Primary School
Tiree Primary School
Achahoish Primary School
Taynuilt Primary School
Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Audrey Forrest, said: “We are committed to improving the outcomes for our children and young people in Argyll and Bute, and that starts by creating safe and inspiring spaces to learn.
We are well on our way to becoming the first Rights Respecting Education Service in Scotland, with so many of our schools now successfully engaged with the programme. As a council, we put the UN Convention Rights of the Child (UNRC) at the heart of what we do by adding it to the list of implications we consider for all decisions made throughout the council, as well as in Education.
The award is not just about what children do, but also what adults do, with staff and children working together to reach these goals together to help young people to realise their potential.
“Well done to everyone involved. I know how much work goes on behind the scenes to make this happen.”
Read more about the Rights Respecting Schools Awards.