Kids for Learning celebrates 25 years of children’s rights
Kids for Learning, an art project involving more than 600 local primary school students, launches today in Christchurch
city centre, marking Universal Children’s Day.
20 November 2014 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the most rapidly
and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.
Vivien Maidaborn, Executive Director at UNICEF New Zealand said, “The right to learn is a core principal of UNICEF’s
work and an area where we have seen many positive gains over the last 25 years.
“Globally, enrolment in early childhood education increased from 33 per cent in 1999 to 50 per cent in 2011. More
children in school is positive progress for the child, their family, their community, and ultimately their country as a
whole.
“This project and exhibition reminds us that while all children should have the right to learn, many still do not.
Almost 58 million children between 6 and 11 years of age are still out of school, half of whom live in countries
affected by conflict.”
This project also enables children from Christchurch to voice their opinions and thoughts on the importance of education
for all children, including themselves. Many of the children involved had their education interrupted by the 2011
earthquake which damaged numerous schools, with some closing or merging due to the damage.
Kids for Learning founder and Christchurch photographer, Tanya Mariel Iniguez, started the project to bring attention to
these children, “Education is a powerful tool that enriches individuals, families, communities and nations.
“Every child, everywhere, has the right to an education. The right to learn, ask questions, gain skills and reach their
full potential. No child should be left behind because they missed out on an education.”
Ms Maidaborn added, “UNICEF New Zealand is proud to support Kids for Learning and is thrilled that so many Christchurch
schools got involved with the project in recognition of the importance of education and learning both here in New
Zealand and further afield.
“Education is more than just a fundamental right; it helps pave the way to a successful and productive future. Kids for
Learning reminds us that when children get the education they deserve, they can build a better future for themselves and
for their communities.”
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