Every year, on November 20th, UNICEF celebrates World Children’s Day—a day to focus on children’s rights, well-being, and their future. This year’s theme, “Listen to the Future,” encourages us to really stop and listen to what our children have to say about the world they’re growing up in. At BISC-LP, we’ve been reflecting on how giving our children a voice in their own education helps shape how they see their future—and how we, as adults, can support them in making that future a reality.
The theme “Listen to the Future” is a reminder that children everywhere are starting to speak up about what matters most to them. Whether it’s climate change, equality, or better education, children are becoming more vocal about the issues that impact their lives. This theme is simple but powerful: children aren’t just passive bystanders to decisions made for them—they have valuable insights that deserve to be heard. By listening to them, we empower them, giving them ownership of the future they’ll inherit. It’s about amplifying their voices so the world they shape reflects their dreams and needs.
Over the years, giving children rights, has helped shift the way we view children—from being passive dependents to active, rights-bearing individuals. It’s made a huge impact on how children see themselves and their role in shaping the future.
Helping our children have a voice is have a positive influence in many ways:
Empowering children in elementary school to have a voice has a profound impact on their growth and development. When children are encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions, they feel valued and respected, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence. By giving them a platform to speak up, we show them that their ideas matter, no matter how big or small. This sense of empowerment helps children develop to be the thinkers, creators and future makers we strive for at BISC-LP, helping the children to thrive. It fosters a positive school environment where students feel safe and supported, which in turn encourages them to take risks, ask questions, and explore new ideas without fear of judgment or failure.
Children's rights play a crucial role in creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. When children's rights are respected, schools become spaces where every child feels they belong, regardless of their background or abilities. For instance, teaching children about their rights to be heard and to participate in decisions that affect them encourages them to become responsible, active citizens. They begin to understand that their voice can bring about change, both in the classroom and in the wider community, and to question not only current issues but also those in history. During the unit on 'Westward Expansion,' Year 5 learned about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the role Sacagawea played. Many students raised the question of what rights she had as a child, and whether her rights were taken away from her. Reflecting on the rights Sacagawea had—and didn’t have—helped our children consider their own rights and the rights of other children in our community. This thinking has continued into a current topic, ‘Champions for Change’. The children have been learning about Malala Yousafzai and the impact she has had on children right to an education, and gender equality. It has inspired in wanting to create an event where they can support the Malala Fund and help children have a right to education.
As World Children’s Day theme “Listen to the Future” reminds us, the future isn’t something that just happens to kids—it’s something they’re actively shaping. By embracing the rights of children, we empower them to take charge of their future and create a world that reflects their dreams and values; this is why student voices matter!
At BISC-LP we are committed to providing an environment where our children have a voice, feel empowered, and most importantly, know that they matter! If you’d like to find out more on how we empower and support our children’s rights, please reach out and schedule a tour!
Carlie Ennis
Year 5 Teacher and Social Impact & Global Campus Leader
