CRC Article 12: Respect the views of the child

MY VOICE MATTERS

I am tiny and small, but my voice is strong,
I speak up if something feels right or wrong.
I need to be heard when I have something to say,
Because my feelings and thoughts matter every day.
I know you feel that you know what's best,
But it’s my body, and I can express.
When things aren’t right and it makes me feel bad,
Here I start feeling scared, angry, and even sad.

Sometimes I am not heard the first time I speak,

 I talk to the school counsellor, since this is help I do seek.

My voice should be heard, and it should be known,

I would not keep quiet because I am not alone.

CRC Article 28: Right to Education & 

Article 32: Child Labour 

LET ME LEARN 

I see a school with books and chalk,

I dream of learning how to talk.

To read, to write, to sing, to grow

There’s so much I still want to know!

But I’m kept home to cook and clean,

To work all day feels so mean!

A child like me should get to go,

To school each day and let it show.

I can speak to a child rights officer or a teacher nearby.

I have the right to ask them “why?”

CRC Article 19: Protection from violence, abuse and neglect 

CEASE THE HITTING!

A slap, a clout, a thump too hard, 

These things should never leave a scar.

I need hands that care and hold,

Not ones that frighten, bruise, or are cold.

I’m not bad, I’m learning still,

I need your help, not angry will.

Please use kind words, not angry fists,

Love, not pain, should top the list.

I can go to the guidance counsellor or a safe adult.

Hitting is never the child’s fault.

I deserve love, not hurt.

My body is special; it belongs to me,
Like the owner of a house, I hold the key.
You should not touch me in a way that’s wrong,
Even if you say, “Just keep it strong.”
If it feels yucky, scary, or bad,
If I’m confused or really sad.
I’ll talk to someone I trust today,
And tell them what I need to say.
I can speak to a teacher, a parent, or the police.
I have the right to feel safe and at peace.

CRC Article 34: protection from sexual exploitation 

CRC Article 39: Protection and recovery 

BUH BYE SECRETS 

I was told, “Keep it quiet; don’t tell a soul,”
But deep inside me I grew a heavy hole.
Such a  secret is too big for me to hide,
In the dark I sat; I prayed and cried.
But secrets that hurt should not be kept,
Nor buried down or softly wept.
I spoke the truth, and help came fast,
Now love and light are here at last.
I can tell a helper, police, or friend,
And this bad secret will meet its end.

CRC Article 30: Right to identify and culture 

I AM ME!

My name, my face, the way I dance,

The stories I share when I get the chance.
My clothes, my foods, the songs I know,
These make me special and help me grow.
But I am often told that I am wrong,
So they try to change my name, my song.
But I belong here just as I am,
In my own skin, proud and calm.

 I can talk to a cultural officer who respects my way,
And helps me shine brighter every day.

A CHILD FIRST 

I may be small; I know you see,
I’m still a child, and that's who I’ll be!
Under eighteen, my age may show,
My rights are mine as I learn and grow.
I laugh and play with dreams so bright,
And every child deserves their right.
No matter where, no matter when,
A child’s a child, now and then!
If someone forgets, I can remind my teacher or my parent,
They’ll help to protect my rights as a child and be transparent. 

CRC Article 1: Definition of a child