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[21 July 2008] - Bahraini children as young as two years old will be taught to stand up for their rights. Their teachers will be other children, aged nine to 11, who have undergone rights training at a centre that provides counselling to child abuse victims. The It's My Right to Understand My Rights initiative is being spearheaded by the Be Free Centre, Zinj, and is the result of a partnership with UNICEF> Talks are now taking place that could see the initiative adopted in other countries such as Saudi Arabia, with the co-operation of other non-governmental organisations. Centre general manager Rana Al Sairafi said parents were not doing enough to educate children about their rights. "Parents don't teach their children their rights because of their fears about increasing demands for more freedom," she said. "But that should not be the case. For example, children might demand to stay out late at night and think it is their right, but if they understand their rights, they will realise that preventing them from doing so is preserving their right to protect them from danger. Bahrain acceded to that convention in 1992 and Ms Al Sairafi said this new programme intended to teach children about their rights to education, protection, play, food and a place to live. It also aims to distinguish between their basic rights and luxuries they might enjoy. The new scheme to train children on their rights was launched at a ceremony attended by UNICEF area representative Ayman Abu Laban. Besides teaching children their rights, the centre is also highlighting the responsibilities that go along with them. The programme also aims to increase the involvement of children in issues that affect them, while encouraging youngsters to be more accepting of others. It is still in its early stages and potential young teachers are now in the process of being trained. As soon as they are ready, they will pass on their new knowledge through workshops and other avenues. Ms Al Sairafi said the fact that children themselves would be conducting the training was significant. She hopes that schools in Bahrain will conduct similar programmes and even make the rights issue part of the curriculum. Further information
pdf: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=223510&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=...