New learning materials launched in Carmarthen
New learning materials exploring human rights have been launched in Welsh primary schools by the Education Minister.
Welsh Assembly member Leighton Andrews and Children’s Commissioner Keith Towler unveiled Amnesty International’s new packs at Model Church in Wales Primary School, Carmarthen.
The interactive lessons are the first support materials designed for five to 11-year-olds to help teachers explore human rights in primary schools – focusing on fairness and freedom and the rights of young children.
The free packs bring basic rights to life and encourage Wales’ children to think about other youngsters around the world and the problems they face. They also include creative suggestions for exploring children’s rights through artistic projects, including quilt making and collages.
For older primary children, the resources suggest ways of considering rights of refugees and how young people can take action to help others.
Cathy Owens, Amnesty International’s programme director for Wales, said: “Human rights can sound like an abstract, complex concept, but really we are talking about how we treat other people, and how we would wish to be treated by others. Young children are constantly learning from the people they meet and the way we live in society and I hope that these interesting activities will help teachers bring rights to life in the classroom.”
Mr Andrews, AM for Rhondda, said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is working hard to put the needs of children and young people at the heart of everything it does, and has developed key policies and structures to give them the opportunity to have a voice and to become actively involved in decision-making.”
Children’s Commissioner Mr Towler added: “Children’s rights are all the things that children and young people need to make sure they are safe, have the things they need to survive and develop and have a say in decisions that affect their lives.
“We need to maintain the emphasis Welsh Government has placed on children’s rights, ensuring every child and young person in Wales have the tools they need to play a full and active part in our society.”
Welsh Assembly member Leighton Andrews and Children’s Commissioner Keith Towler unveiled Amnesty International’s new packs at Model Church in Wales Primary School, Carmarthen.
The interactive lessons are the first support materials designed for five to 11-year-olds to help teachers explore human rights in primary schools – focusing on fairness and freedom and the rights of young children.
The free packs bring basic rights to life and encourage Wales’ children to think about other youngsters around the world and the problems they face. They also include creative suggestions for exploring children’s rights through artistic projects, including quilt making and collages.
For older primary children, the resources suggest ways of considering rights of refugees and how young people can take action to help others.
Cathy Owens, Amnesty International’s programme director for Wales, said: “Human rights can sound like an abstract, complex concept, but really we are talking about how we treat other people, and how we would wish to be treated by others. Young children are constantly learning from the people they meet and the way we live in society and I hope that these interesting activities will help teachers bring rights to life in the classroom.”
Mr Andrews, AM for Rhondda, said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is working hard to put the needs of children and young people at the heart of everything it does, and has developed key policies and structures to give them the opportunity to have a voice and to become actively involved in decision-making.”
Children’s Commissioner Mr Towler added: “Children’s rights are all the things that children and young people need to make sure they are safe, have the things they need to survive and develop and have a say in decisions that affect their lives.
“We need to maintain the emphasis Welsh Government has placed on children’s rights, ensuring every child and young person in Wales have the tools they need to play a full and active part in our society.”
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