The UN-Convention on the Right of the Child
as Basis of Work in School
The following articles are especially to be regarded in school’s work:
Article 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12 – 19, 23, 24, 28 – 31, 33, 34, 42
Article 2: Prohibition of Discrimination – watching the children’s rights
All children are of the same importance. Even if there is a difference in sympathy from my feeling, it is necessary for me as teacher to approach all children equally with the same way of respect.
Article 3: Well-being of the Child – especially the professional quality of all staff in school and school organisation
As a teacher, I am obliged to keep up with the professional knowledge to ensure the best possible learning for the child.
Article 5: Rights of the Parents – respecting the parents’ rights
As a teacher, I respect the rights of the parents to educate their child – even if their idea of education is not in accordance with mine. If there is a fundamental discuss, I try to reach consents with the parents and not only to stick to my standards.
Article 6 (2): Right of Life – protection of life and development of the child
My education will consider the well-being of the child, especially regarding knowledge of healthy diet (food) and all sorts of risks of daily life (e.g. traffic) to help them to cope. Thus my lessons will increase the chances for a child’s development.
Article 9 (1): Separation From the Parents Only for the Child’s Well–being
I am not involved in taking a child out from their family, if there is not undeniable evidence, that a further stay will prove disastrous for the child’s development and health (e.g. in case of ill–treatment or neglect).
Article 12: Freedom of Thought – considering the free will of children
I agree to allow each child to have their own opinion and I am willing to actively support this by taking their opinion into account. I support the child in expressing themselves to make clear what they really wish.
Article 13: Freedom of Information
I support children obtaining information by themselves, and support their reflections and evaluations of their findings. I promote children to learn how to handle information in a critical way and to form their own opinion of that information.
Article 14: Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
I ensure in my education that the children are well informed about the different religions and ethic principles. Thus a child should be able to make informed decisions about their own religious views.
Article 15: Freedom of Association and Assembly
I help children to use this right and to use it in a sensible way.
Article 16: Protection of Privacy and Self-respect
I will not intrude on a child’s personal space or belongings without permission.
I will try to prevent all remarks or comments to a child, which may not respect the dignity and self-respect of the child.
Article 17: Access to Mass Media, Protection of Children and Young Persons
In my education, I try to help children to find out what kind of media is appropriate to them, and I tell them my interpretation quite clearly so they can take it as a guideline.
I support them using modern media (ICT)
Article 18 (3): Welfare of the Child
If it seems to be advisable, I inform parents about institutions which could help them, even temporarily, in education matters or caring for the child.
Article 19: Protection from Abuse, Violence, Cruelty, Neglect
My education will help to give children clear criteria how adults should treat them (e.g. how adults should nourish them well or be good examples to their life).
Article 23: Support of disabled children
I organize my lessons to help disabled children as far as possible to develop their full potential by meeting their special needs. I help them to fully access the environment with all support which is within my power.
Article 24: Health care
I develop an awareness of healthy diet and lifestyle, and personal choices. I provide positive role models through shared eating experiences and breakfasts for those who chose it.
Article 28: Right of the Child to Education, to school and Vocational Training
I expect every child to go to school regularly and I see to that. I organize my lessons in a way that helps children to enjoy learning and develop a positive attitude to lifelong learning.
I try to individualize learning according to each child instead of standardize teaching.
I seek to support and cooperate with all sorts of national an international institutions to achieve the best possible education.
Article 29: Aims of Education and Institutions
It is my duty to impart to the children the aims of education of this convention and of the education act of my country.
Article 30: Protection of Minorities
I accept if a child uses a dialect or local language and I help him to learn the common language.
Article 31: Participation in Hobbies, Cultural and Artistic Life
I encourage children to develop their artistic capability and introduce them to and encourage their interest in art and culture. I avoid keeping them away from play by too much homework.
Article 33: Protection from all Sorts of Drugs
I inform children about drugs – legal and illegal – and the danger in taking drugs. I also show them how to deal with legal drugs and alternative ways of living.
Article 34: Protection for Sexual Abuse
I show very clearly that only the adult is responsible if it comes to sexual contact between a child and an adult. As far as possible, I try to help the child to get out of this situation.
Article 42: Commitment to Publicise the Children’s Rights
In my daily approach to the children they learn that they are individual human beings with natural rights. I also help them to understand their rights and to use them.