25 November, 2024

Celebrating World Children’s Day at BISB

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From 18 to 22 November, the halls of BISB were alive with the spirit of World Children’s Day (WCD). This annual celebration, held on November 20, highlights the importance of children’s rights and wellbeing around the world. True to our school’s social impact mission, our secondary students marked the occasion with a variety of meaningful and engaging activities.

Throughout the week, secondary school students deepened their understanding of children’s rights, with workshops led by our IB students taking center stage. These interactive sessions explored key aspects of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), helping participants connect these rights to real-world issues.

Another highlight was the lively debate between our school houses, where students passionately discussed topics related to this year’s theme ‘The future changed child’. This friendly competition not only showcased their critical thinking and communication skills but also inspired a thoughtful exchange of ideas about how we can support children’s rights worldwide.

Creativity was an integral part of our celebrations. With guidance from the Art Department, students were tasked with focusing on a specific child’s right and illustrating it on a collaborative jigsaw piece. Our goal is to transform these pieces into a vibrant display.

In the primary school, the Junior Changemakers led the KS1 and KS2 assemblies, focusing on this year’s theme, ‘Listen to the Future,’ and highlighting Article 24 – every child’s right to good healthcare, clean water, healthy food, and a safe place to live and play.

Each morning, primary students engaged in Check-In questions related to World Children’s Day and its theme. They reflected on questions such as, ‘How can we ensure all children have their rights?’ and ‘What is one thing you could do to help the planet?’

Throughout the school, lessons explored various ideas, including small, achievable actions students can take to contribute to a better future in their school or community. Students also imagined what the world might look like in the future and expressed their hopes for what should remain the same or change.

On Wednesday, during lunchtime, the Junior Changemakers created a corridor display to celebrate World Children’s Day. They invited students from across the school to share their thoughts on the future, focusing on reflective questions such as, ‘What is your one wish for the future?’ ‘What are you looking forward to as an adult?’ and ‘What do you think a good world should include in its future?’

Additionally, we collaborated with the Smart Student Council to pose a question this week about whether students feel they are listened to at school.

On Wednesday, students and staff across the school wore blue to support UNICEF and show solidarity with children around the world.

World Children’s Day at BISB was a powerful reminder of the strength and potential of young people. By engaging in these activities, our students not only celebrated the day but also took a step closer to becoming empathetic and active global citizens.

Stay tuned for our next social impact and house team initiative! At the Christmas fair, you will be able to purchase house-themed T-shirts and tote bags to support a charity chosen by our students.

Blanka Langó and Lesley McDonald