Teacher champions our children's rights

Nicola Cosby from the town, was awarded for her "commitment and enthusiasm" after taking part in special eight month programme Train the Trainers. Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People's (NICCY), Chief Executive Gerry Campbell, congratulated Nicola along with teaching students Stephen Henry from Ballymaguigan and Eimer Bigmore from Desertmartin. The trainee's were three of 18 students who took part in a eight-month programme to learn about children's rights with the Commissioner's Participation Officers. The students in turn then shared what they had learned with 79 other trainee teachers.The programme was first introduced to St Mary's University College in 2008 and has helped train hundreds of student teachers in children's rights and how they can become part of everyday life in the school community.

"Teachers play a vital role in shaping our communities and helping children and young people have a say in decisions which might affect their lives," said Mr Campbell.

"This year we are asking children and young people to get involved in our 'Make It Right' campaign, which each month focuses on a different theme of children's rights."

"We are challenging children, young people, parents, carers and professionals to not only learn about rights but do something to make sure that decision-makers are made aware of how rights are being breached everyday." continued Mr Campbell.

"Providing teachers with the tools to continue their development of rights was a logical way for us to help them."

"I want to thank and congratulate all the students who took part in Train the Trainers, as teaching a group of students can be hard enough but it can be even more gruelling to teach your own peers," added Mr Campbell.

Commenting on the programme Frank Quinn of St Mary's University College said: "St Mary's University College is delighted to work closely with our NICCY colleagues and equally the College is delighted at the professional commitment of students to the opportunities offered through the Train the Trainers programme. The benefit is to the totality of the educational experience for our student teachers and the children in Northern Ireland's schools."