Sacred Heart students lead the way for change

As part of their journey toward achieving the prestigious Gold Rights Respecting Award, students highlighted key local issues and showcased the power of their voices in driving change.

Sacred Heart Primary School proudly achieved the prestigious 'Silver' Rights Respecting Award from UNICEF in Summer 2024. As part of their ambitious journey towards achieving 'Gold' status, the school has been working hard to empower children and encourage them to advocate for positive change in their local community.

To kickstart this campaign for local change, all students were tasked with an important piece of homework: identifying issues that impact their neighbourhood. Topics such as parking, littering, and canal safety emerged as key concerns. These were discussed in depth during class sessions, and the school’s ‘Steering Group’—a team of student representatives—collated the most commonly mentioned issues. Recognising the importance of these concerns, Sacred Heart invited Madam Mayor to the school to listen and engage with the children directly.

The day began with an inspiring whole-school assembly, where a teacher introduced the concept of children's rights, particularly focusing on Article 12 of the UNICEF Rights of the Child: “Every child has the right to express their views, feelings, and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously.” Madam Mayor expanded on her role in the community and explained how she works to address local challenges.

Following the assembly, the Head Girl and Head Boy proudly led Madam Mayor on a guided tour of the school, showcasing their achievements and initiatives. This included displays about children’s rights, environmental efforts, and their work as a Rights Respecting School.

The highlight of the day was a focused meeting between Madam Mayor and the ‘Steering Group.’ During this session, students passionately presented the key issues they had identified, such as:

Littering: A growing problem in local parks and streets, linked to Article 24, which highlights a child’s right to live in a clean and safe environment.

Parking Concerns: Safety issues caused by dangerous parking near the school gates, which impacts Article 19—the right to be protected from harm.

Canal Safety: Concerns about the condition and safety of the nearby canal, related to both Article 6 (the right to life and development) and Article 31 (the right to play in a safe environment).

Madam Mayor listened intently to the children’s concerns, praised their thoughtful insights, and shared useful information and advice on how to address these issues.

The visit was not only a memorable experience but also a powerful demonstration of the children’s right to be heard and their ability to influence positive change. As one student from the Steering Group shared:"It was amazing to speak to someone important like Madam Mayor. She really listened to what we said, and it made me feel like we can make a difference."

Sacred Heart Primary School staff and students are now more determined than ever to achieve their 'Gold' Rights Respecting status. Their journey continues with projects that prioritise raising awareness about children’s rights and taking practical steps to improve their community.

This event highlights the school’s dedication to empowering children, reinforcing the values of the UNICEF Rights of the Child, and creating a brighter future for everyone in Tipton.