Child and Youth Advocate Celebrates National Child Day

  • Office of the Child and Youth Advocate

November 19, 2019

November 20 is National Child Day. It is a special day that recognizes our country’s commitment to upholding the rights of all children and youth.  This year’s National Child Day marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. While Canada has made progress on children’s rights, there is much work to be done in this province and throughout the country to advance and protect children’s rights.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is committed to advocating for the rights of children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador and helping children, youth and adults understand these rights. Jackie Lake Kavanagh, Child and Youth Advocate said, “Because of their vulnerability, young people need each and every one of us to support and advance their rights, and to ensure their voices are heard on matters affecting them.”

The Advocate recognizes that “Many people are tireless advocates in their families, communities, and professions to improve the status of children’s rights in our society. These collective efforts within the province and throughout the country are critical and need to be acknowledged and continued.”

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate will be celebrating National Child Day activities throughout the week. A list of activities is attached. Activities will celebrate and create awareness about children’s rights.

All are encouraged to wear a blue ribbon or the color blue on National Child Day to show support for the rights of children and youth. To share your tweets and pictures, tag @OCYANL .

For more information on the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, check out the OCYA website at www.childandyouthadvocate.nl.ca/ or on Twitter @OCYANL .

Information on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child can be found at www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf .

Schedule of Activities

November 18
(Monday)
  • Participated in Free To Be Me GSA conference in St. John’s. Also visited Gander Collegiate to meet with the many students involved with American Sign Language (ASL) learning.
November 19
(Tuesday)
  • Meeting with representatives of the Qualipu First Nation and as well with the Corner Brook Status of Women Council in Corner Brook.
  • Visit Smallwood Academy in Gambo and the Family Resource Centre in Dover.
November 20
(Wednesday)
  • Visit Family Resource Centre in Corner Brook.
  • Visit Corner Brook High, Gill Memorial in Musgrave Harbour, and Sandstone Academy in Ladle Cove.
  • Participate in Breakfast Program at St. Andrews Elementary in St. John’s.
  • The Child and Youth Advocate will speak at the Brighter Futures AGM, participate in National Child Day activities at St. Teresa’s School in St. John’s, and visit the First Light Child Care Centre in St. John’s.
November 21
(Thursday)
  • Visit Corner Brook Intermediate School, Lumsden Academy, and Pearson Academy in Wesleyville.
November 22
(Friday)
  • The Child and Youth Advocate will visit the St. John’s Women’s Centre’s Me and Wee Club to read to children.
November 23
(Saturday)
  • Come visit us at our booth at the City of St. John’s Move it Event, Power Plex on Crosbie Road.

You can reach us by calling 1-877-753-3888 or emailing office@ocya.nl.ca.

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Media contact
Wilma MacInnis
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3888
wilmamacinnis@ocya.nl.ca

2019 11 19 2:40 pm