THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR RIGHTS AS CHILDREN

    When the pandemic started, all of us has been affected. It affected all of the people in so many ways. Students like me were affected so much because it is hard for us to adjust to this mode of learning. Children are the most vulnerable ones to be infected. Education is no exception. Students from privileged backgrounds, supported by their parents, eager and able to learn, could find their ways past closed school doors to alternative learning opportunities. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds often remained shut out when the schools shut down. Many students stopped due to a lack of gadgets to use, unstable internet connection because not all can afford to provide all the thing that is needed for an online class. 

 

    Personally, I experienced the struggle when the pandemic started. Children like me are prohibited from the matters we typically do. There are many health protocols and it is prohibiting us to go outside and enjoy things. On November 17, 2021, we celebrated National Children's Day with the theme (“New Normal Na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!”) (No One is Left Behind under the New Normal: Focus on Children’s Rights). This year’s celebration is covered by the myriad of issues on children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation in the new normal setting. This focuses on our rights as children through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in seeking to address the needs of Filipino children and how they can be protected further as National Children’s Month this year is celebrated. Spreading awareness and celebrating the children's month even in a pandemic is a big help for us young people. 

    Discussing and celebrating the rights of children is really important. Considering the number of students who stopped their studies due to the pandemic, we really need consideration.  All children have all the rights to have a good education, regardless of who they are, where they live, what language they speak, what religion they follow, what they think, what they look like, if they are a boy or girl if they have a disability if they are rich or poor, and no matter who their parents or families are or what their parents or families believe or do. 

    No child should be treated unfairly for any reason. All in all, children’s education should help them fully develop their personalities, talents, and abilities. It should teach them to understand their own rights and to respect other people’s rights, cultures, and differences. Children have the right to share freely with others what they learn, think, and feel by talking, drawing, writing, or in any other way unless it harms other people.

References: https://www.deped.gov.ph/2021/11/17/deped-celebrates-national-childrens-month 

https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/convention-text-childrens-version

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