What a conference!
On behalf of the Alberni Valley Make Children First Network, my colleague Alanna and I attended the recent Early Years Conference in Victoria, British Columbia. I expected the child advocate in me to be stirred up and “ready to raise” as the entire three days were devoted to the RIGHTS OF THE CHILD. I was correct...AND there were a couple of unexpected surprises as well.
Surprise #1 Reflective, thought-provoking opportunities were in abundance.
The sessions were informative and heavily grounded in research. They provided many opportunities to reflect on the RIGHTS OF THE CHILD and whether we (as a city, province, nation and world) are doing enough to uphold these foundational rights. The questions I am still pondering include:
- How can we use these rights to the greatest potential?
- How do we know if people are truly aware of the rights of the child? How can children and families be even more aware of the rights?
- How can we use these rights to guide our organizations, programs and community planning?
- Might we be more aware of these rights as not only a moral obligation but a legal one?
Surprise #2 I met Raffi!!!!!!
What an absolute pleasure to meet this inspirational man and hear of his legacy work with The Centre for Child Honouring. I look forward to learning more about this impressive work in the name of respecting all children and their rights ... thereby increasing global humanity. Thank you Raffi - for bringing a united voice forward for all of us to hear.
Tammy
