Rights of children stressed by youth ambassador

By Kimberley Cummins

Youth ambassador Jáheim Thomas is reminding young people their voices are important and they should use them. And now he also has significant support in the form of a United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) summary plaque that was recently erected at The Lodge School, Massiah Street, St. John.

The plaque displays a summary of the rights and responsibilities of children. It is a part of the school’s ongoing student advocacy and empowerment initiative, and was earned through a research publication written by Thomas, the then chairman of the student council in 2021.

Thomas, the 2021 Youth Ambassador for Barbados, told Barbados TODAY that his research revealed that many children were unaware of their rights and responsibilities. Hence, he believed the unveiling of the plaque was a momentous occasion as it served as a stepping stone to raise children’s awareness of their rights and responsibilities, as well as empowering them to be more actively and positively involved within their schools, communities and the wider society.

“It is a sad reality that despite the outstanding efforts of some youth, a pervasive mentality in our culture that undervalues and underestimates them still exists. For instance, terms like ‘they’re just children’, ‘they should be seen and not heard’ and that ‘someday you’ll understand’.

“As a result, many Barbadian children have restricted themselves and while it would be utopian for every child to succeed, this is impossible because of these multiple berating ideologies.

“It is daunting that as a people, we have produced a backbench generation by denying them the right to participate in social, educational, and national matters while expecting them to compete in the big leagues with other competitive youth around the world who have found their voices among their leaders.

We are proud to say that children are the future. However, most children can only hope that they will be given the opportunity to be involved in discussions regarding social issues.

Considering their importance, the voices of the youth should not be ignored along with the inclusion of technology in this modern era. Thus, we must concede the necessity of children knowing their rights, responsibilities, and their identity,”
he said.

Thomas further highlighted that the newly initiated UNCRC Summary of Rights and Responsibilities Plaque emphasises the fact that children have the potential and creativity that the world requires, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. In addition, it is a reminder to adults that children should be treated fairly, that they receive an education and be protected.

To children, it purports that they are obligated to perform to certain standards because they are exceptionally capable
of doing so.

And finally, it is expected to serve as an urgent call to address the disconnect between adults and children, prompting the recognition of the interdependence between administration and students that can result in academic and social advancement within schools.

Thomas added: “Therefore, let us allow this plaque to serve as a catalyst for the social integration that is required in our schools and society.

Diogenes, a Greek philosopher, once contended that the foundation of every state is the education of our youth. . . . So, let me reiterate that we the youth should not be viewed as ‘just children’, but as dynamic participants in decision-making for the benefit of us all as a country.”