School Learn The ‘Right’ Stuff

19 August 2009 News

TEN young women from Newry and Kilkeel were presented with participation certificates following their involvement in a one-day workshop on children’s rights in Kilkeel today.

The workshop on the United Nations on the Rights of a Child was facilitated by Participation Officers from the NI Commissioner for Children and Young People’s (NICCY) office and focused on children’s rights.

The participants, aged16-18 years, are currently on the Training for Success programme at The Link Works, working towards qualifications in Children’s Care, Learning and Development.

The Link Works have a bank of local employers who are willing to give the participants an opportunity to gain the practical skills they need to complement the theoretical knowledge associated with childcare and allow them to go on to successfully achieve their qualifications and pursue a career in their chosen field.

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, said: “My Participation Officers meet with children, young people and adults through school visits, consultations and research almost on a daily basis, and are constantly learning how best to promote the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“These workshops are a very important in providing teachers, carers and those who work with children and young people with the tools to continue their development of children’s rights across Northern Ireland.

“I want to congratulate all the participants of the workshop and hopefully all they have learned will benefit them in their future careers.”

Elena Moore of The Link Works feels the workshop will be of benefit to the young people both in the classroom and in their workplace setting.

Bronac Kerr of The Link Works added: “We are grateful to NICCY for spending time with our learners and giving them the opportunity to gain an insight into the Rights of the Child.”

The young people taking part included, Melanie Newell, Maryrose Mooney, Laura Campbell, Sarah-Louise Brennan, Michaela McStay, Christine Haugh, Shannyn Curran, Stephanie Greene, Tara Cunningham and Stephanie Crilly.