UNICEF and DEED links

The Rights Respecting Schools Award puts children’s rights at the heart of schools in the UK.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. Our Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.

The Award recognises a school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond.

Together young people and the school community learn about children’s rights, putting them into practice every day. The Award is not just about what children do but also, importantly, what adults do. In Rights Respecting Schools children’s rights are promoted and realised, adults and children work towards this goal together.

There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem.

The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.

• Children are healthier and happier
• Children feel safe
• Children have better relationships
• Children become active and involved in school life and the wider world

DEED

Teaching sustainability: global education support for teachers and students

Education is used here in its widest sense, encompassing both formal educational establishments and the act of raising awareness and understanding throughout the community. It is developed with a belief that if there is inadequate awareness of the severity and potential impacts of the climate and ecological crises, or the potential solutions and their implications, change will be problematic, if not impossible.