Last week, as part of Children’s Rights Queensland’s Children’s Week, I had the privilege of leading a meaningful session at Manly West State School. Along with being on the OMEP Australia Executive, I am also a proud Children’s Rights Queensland Ambassador, and I was thrilled to support this event with the help of OMEP Australia, who funded a class set of SolarBuddy kits.
In this session, Year 5 students built solar lights, which will be sent to children living in energy poverty, providing a practical way to contribute to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. These young learners also participated in an engaging discussion about their rights as children, guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). We highlighted important rights, including Article 28 (right to education), Article 24 (right to good health), and Article 12 (right to express their views).
Through this hands-on activity, students not only learned about the significance of these rights but also took meaningful action, supporting other children globally. Their participation in creating these solar lights embodies the spirit of Article 29, which emphasizes education that fosters respect for the environment and global citizenship.
As we move forward, OMEP Australia continues to champion children’s rights through innovative projects like SolarBuddy. It’s crucial that children not only understand their rights but also have opportunities to exercise them in ways that positively impact their peers around the world.
Vicki Christopher
