Why We Celebrate National Child Day on November 20

National Child Day is a very important day for Kepler Academy!

On this day last year, our Pioneer Class from Kepler Academy Westlink performed “We Are the World” at Edmonton City Hall for the annual celebration. Councillors Bev Esslinger and Aaron Paquette joined our class for a photo. It was a memorable day!

On November 20 each year, National Child Day is celebrated in commemoration of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, which was officially adopted in 1989. The convention is a treaty that has been agreed upon by most governments around the world and was signed by Canada in 1991. It signifies the importance of children’s rights and reinforces the importance of always protecting their rights.

At Kepler Academy, we believe that children’s views are valuable, their rights are important, and that they should have an opportunity to be heard.

The Convention states that:

“In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by the public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.” (Article 3.1)

Children’s Rights

The convention also lists rights for children under 18 years of age, which can be simplified into four basic principles:

It declares a child’s right to non-discrimination regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, or special needs.
It states that governments should always consider what is in the best interest of children when making laws or policies.
It emphasizes a child’s right to survival and protection from harm.
Lastly, that children should have the right to voice their opinion in any matter that affects them.

Ways to Celebrate with Children

1 | Spark a ‘rights conversation’ with a child or group of children. Ask them about what rights are, and talk about how to practice rights and respect others rights.

2 | Wear a bright blue ribbon to show support of National Child Day.

3 | Donate to a cause or charity that supports vulnerable children in your community.

(This year, Kepler Academy is accepting toy donations for Santas Anonymous and we’d love your support!)

4 | Create a piece of art with your child or a group of children and share it on social media, or hang it in your window.

5 | Tell your friends, family and neighbours about National Child Day.

6 | Thank educators, caregivers and relatives that play a key role in your child’s life.

Information sourced from:

Canadian Child Care Federation – National Child Day Resource Sheet

Government of Canada Website – National Child Day Information

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – Read & Share Child-Friendly 1-Pager PDF