We’re delighted to share an update as we reach the end of Year 2 of our three-year Children’s Rights project in the Afan Valley through NPT Children’s Rights Unit.
Over the past year, around 170 pupils every month have taken part in children’s rights workshops across the primary schools and feeder comprehensive. What’s been really inspiring is watching their understanding grow – pupils can now name different rights, explain how they connect to everyday life, and speak about them in their own words. Their growing confidence shows just how powerful repeated, meaningful opportunities to engage can be.
One exciting development has been the work Clare has done around a Children’s Rights Workbook. After each workshop, classes receive fun, practical worksheets that build into a collective record of rights explored across the year. Teachers tell us this has been a valuable resource – helping embed children’s rights into everyday practice and supporting curriculum requirements.
Beyond schools, children and young people are also taking the lead in community spaces – from youth clubs to the Young Persons’ Forum and summer events. Adults are seeing first-hand the confidence, ideas, and energy young people bring when given the chance to share their voices. Looking ahead, Year 3 will focus on building stronger bridges between young people and adults in the valley, creating more opportunities for young people to shape local projects and be heard.
“We’re excited to continue this journey, strengthening partnerships and developing new ways for young people to engage, lead, and influence change. By keeping children’s voices at the heart of the work, we’re building a strong foundation for the future – one where rights are not just learned, but lived” – Clare Pritchard, Childrens Rights Unit