National Child Day, celebrated annually on November 20th , is a day dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the rights of children and youth.
Celebrated since 1993, National Child Day commemorates the adoption of:
These documents spell out the basic human rights to which all children under the age of 18 are entitled, including the right to health, the right to play and the right to participate and have a voice in matters that affect them.
By ratifying the Convention in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that children are treated with dignity and respect, and are protected from harm both in Canada and abroad .
Children’s rights aim to ensure that each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Respect for the rights of the child can only be fully achieved when everyone, including children themselves, recognizes that every person has the same rights, and then adopts attitudes and behaviors of respect, inclusion and acceptance.
Equitas and its partners encourage Canadian children to #PlayItFair and speak their rights.
CELEBRATE WITH US!
2017 NATIONAL CHILD DAY #PlayItFair ACTIVITIES
Play It Fair!
The games and activities provide a starting point for children to discuss issues such as bullying, and work together to find ways to promote inclusion, respect for diversity, fairness, acceptance and cooperation.
Created and developed in Montreal, Play it Fair! is now used by children aged 6-12 in 45 communities across Canada and in nearly 15 countries around the world.
Learn more about Equitas’ impact on children and youth participation .
VIDEO
A. BOOKLET – 5 easy and fun ways to celebrate in your school and your community!
Check out our National Child Day Booklet featuring 5 easy and fun ways to celebrate National Child Day !
Looking for organizations in your area?
Equitas is working with more than 400 partners in 45 communities across Canada. Contact Claudia at csighomnou@equitas.org
B. Dear Justin Trudeau – Join our Postcard to Parliament Campaign!
Celebrate National Child Day and the Convention on the Rights of the Child by sending a postcard to parliament!
More than 10,000 postcards are being sent each year by children all across Canada. By sending a postcard to parliament, children get to share their ideas with the Prime minister of Canada and other national decision-makers. Read more : Postcard to Parliament Tipsheet (pdf) .
Want to participate? Order your postcards today! Postcards are available free of charge (quantities are limited). Please contact ascote@equitas.org
You can also download postcards here
Three activities you can do with children:
Draw it Right (ACTIVITY SHEET )
I Have the Right (ACTIVITY SHEET )
Human Rights Twister (ACTIVITY SHEET )
C. New Tool! “Rights and Responsibilities” poster
Based on the 4 guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, this poster was created for the children you work with, to inform them on what their rights and responsibilities are, what they mean, in a language they can understand.
Would you like to receive a free 18×24″ copy of the poster for your organization? Please email ascote@equitas.org .
D. Why is it important to give children a voice?
On November 20th, 2017, Equitas is collaborating with the Fondation du Grand Montreal to celebrate National Child Day at the Vital Signs Forum on the importance of giving children a voice .
Equitas will contribute with an hour and a half of celebration and activities from it Play it Fair! Program. This special activity will give children the opportunity to learn about their rights, explore why diversity is important to them and ways they can share their ideas and opinions so they can be heard. We will also share best practices to promote participation and build the leadership of children and youth and their sense of belonging.
This will offer an opportunity to hear about the importance of not only listening to the voice of children but also of encouraging their active participation in society.
E. 2017 Play It Fair! Award
Each year, the award recognizes individuals or groups for their exceptional contributions made in the field of children’s rights, to promote children participation and children rights, using Play it Fair!. The recipient(s) would have demonstrated creativity and leadership to increase children’s understanding of human right values such as cooperation, respect for diversity, fairness, inclusion, respect, responsibility and acceptance.
On November 20, 2017, Equitas will announce the winner of the 2017 Play it Fair! Award.
Thank you to our visionary sponsors for supporting Canadian children learn respect for diversity and human rights through Play it Fair!