Children learn of rights through a game

A game designed to instil the idea of children's rights in the minds of pupils is being handed out to a number of schools by Children's Commissioner Sonia Camilleri.

In the game, children have to pair six sets of flash cards that depict sad characters when their rights are not being respected to the same characters in a jubilant mood when their rights are being observed.

Ms Camilleri said it was important to teach children's rights to the young. "It is important to start early, giving young children a clear image of their rights."

Six basic rights were chosen to appear in the game - children have a right to learn, to have fun with their friends, to play, to be cared for, to a clean environment and they have "rights like everybody else". "We chose six basic rights to give children an idea of where they stand," she said. She pointed out that some children do not feel safe when they are left at home without the protection of adults, and it was important for them to know that they have the right to care and protection.

Referring to children's right to learn, Ms Camilleri said children should know this so they can tell their parents if they are being prevented from going to school for no valid reason.

Children should be informed about their rights without making them arrogant, she added.

Earlier this week, Ms Camilleri visited three to five-year-olds attending Lorenzo Balbi Primary School in Marsa as part of her ongoing children's rights campaign.

The puzzle was designed by primary teacher Analiza Vella after consultation with pedagogist Stef Camilleri. It was sponsored by Plasmon.