UNICEF - Rights Respecting Schools

For the second year running, CVC participated in the Cambridgeshire Students Forum which is organized by Unloc. Six students from Year 8 to Year 12 were involved in this amazing experience which is all about promoting students’ voice. The work that Cambridgeshire Students Forum (CSF)  does links with the work that we continue to do at CVC to celebrate the Rights of the Child as listed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (. We are very proud of all the things that are happening at CVC to promote the Rights of the Child and being part of the CSF is one example of the many activities we do.

"I loved my time at Unloc this year! As Co-Chairman, I was incredibly lucky to get multiple opportunities to speak in front of large numbers of people - which I found has done wonders for my public speaking skills and confidence. In addition, having the time and space to share ideas with like-minded people, work together to figure out a solution to shared problems, and then actually do something in real-life to solve that problem, was amazing! It showed me just how easy it is to speak up about your issues, and get your ideas listened to”. (Year 12 Pupil at CSF)

I have enjoyed my experience with Unloc this year. I feel that, from working with my Action Group, I have been able to have a real impact on my local community. Personally, I found it very rewarding as I not only learned a lot about Student Voice, but the Forum also helped me learn how to use it to make change. Through the programme, I was able to meet new people, talk to local councillors and feel that I was taken seriously. As well as this, I developed my confidence and teamwork skills, which I look forward to continuing in my future. Overall, my experience with Unloc has allowed me to understand Student Voice and the role it plays and it has given me a renewed confidence in my abilities that have made me feel more prepared and excited for the future. (Year 12 at CSF)

Unloc was an amazing experience that really helped my confidence and public speaking skills. In our final summit, we concluded our time at the Unloc Cambridge Student Forum by talking about what each group did and meeting with different people from the Cambridge county council. Unloc was great at introducing me to student from other institutions that I wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for this. Thank you so much for the opportunity. (Year 8 Pupil)

Unloc was a really eye-opening experience for both of us, allowing us to step away from our comfort zones and into new environments. We were given the opportunity to work with new people and get involved in promoting changes for the community. It was a really refreshing experience and one we would definitely recommend for other students." (Year 9 Pupils)

For more information about Unicef's "Rights Respecting Schools Award" and to read some of their articles, please visit their website unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools