Endorsements

Sir Paul Reeves (Former NZ Governor-General)

Sir Paul Reeves - More and more our schools are snapshots of the society that is rapidly evolving in this country. There is great diversity of dress, language and histories but now these same children sit down to learn together. Inevitably they will meet differences that seem strange and implicit assumptions about people who are different will be tested. Everyone, but young people in particular need to learn respect for each other and understand that humans have rights that must be protected. There is a place for people to be themselves and there is a call for these same people to be part of an inclusive and respectful society.

It’s at school that you begin to learn about these things so I support the initiative to help our schools and early childhood education centres develop as ‘human rights communities’.

Dame Silvia Cartwright (Former NZ Governor-General)

Dame Silvia Cartwright - During my term as Governor-General, I had a unique opportunity to observe New Zealanders at work and at play. I mixed with thousands of fine, hardworking kiwis in New Zealand and in about thirty countries overseas. I have been privileged to look back on this country and see us through the eyes of around 20 world leaders. We remain among the most highly respected nations in the world – respected for our willingness to work hard, and with all nations to improve the human rights and living standards of those less fortunate than ourselves. But we cannot be complacent; there is room for stronger human rights leadership globally and we know that we face human rights challenges at home –such as in the treatment of our children.

As Eleanor Roosevelt said once:

Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighbourhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.

The idea of developing our schools and early childhood education centres as "human rights communities" fits well with this philosophy. I commend the Initiative."

What others have to say:

Children*:

“I’ve been doing better since I found out that some children don’t have the right to education.”

“Through doing this I feel better about myself. I’m able to stand up to my step-dad – and my mum is too.”

“If someone said “what are you learning about rights and responsibilities for? I’d say: “Because it is the most important lesson you can learn.”

“Our classroom charter is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This is better than rules because they are for all the time.”

Their teachers*:

“Teaching Rights, Respect, Responsibility has reminded me why I went into teaching – to make a difference.”

“The more you respect the kids and the more you let them participate in the classroom, the more they respect you.”

“The atmosphere in the classroom encourages you to be more adventurous in your teaching.”

Principals after seeing human rights-based education in practice*:

“What I've seen today...all our children have got to have it. It's so powerful”

“Impressed by the impact it is having on different areas of the curriculum as well as behaviour”

About Human Rights in Education workshops in New Zealand during the last six months:

"This is the most inspirational educational presentation I've ever attended" – principal

”This is what schools are about, or need to be” – trustee

“A session that should be compulsory for all” – board chair

“Inspiring” – police education officer

“This is really inspiring. It seems to make sense because it ties everything together. We’re looking for cohesion.”– principal

“We’re really keen on adopting a framework on which to base many school practices.” – principal

“This is a framework that we can hang quite a few things off.” – principal

“Human rights are hard to refute. Why delay? Let’s just get on and do it” – principal