Universal Children’s Day

20 November

11th November 2011, 12:00am

What you can do

Universal Children’s Day has been celebrated for more than 20 years and was first proposed by the United Nations in 1954. But around the world, charitable organisations such as Unicef are still struggling to win many children access to healthy food, water and basic human rights. See how schools can get involved with a range of projects at www.unicef.org.ukget-involvedyour-organisationschools

GIVE THEM A VOICE

Kevin, aged 13, from the Ukraine, wants no child to be treated unfairly, while Muci, 16, from Malaysia, simply asks children be given freedom of expression. Usukhbayar, 20, from Mongolia, pleads that every youngster be given an education. Hear the wishlists of children from around the world at www.unicef.orgrightsitemedia_youtube.php

VICTORIAN CHILDREN - HARD TIMES

They worked in coal mines, cleaned chimneys, slaved long hours in factories and swept up after horse-drawn hansom cabs. And before the Victorians introduced reformatory schools for under-16s, child offenders were treated as adults and even hanged for their misdemeanours. Go to http:bit.lytTtSmf for resources on crime and punishment.

WHEN IN DOUBT, SCARE THEM

If you think many of today’s children in Britain have it too easy, put the fear of God into them with cautionary tales from Hilaire Belloc - designed to scare youngsters into staying in line. Just remember, today’s children are more sophisticated and may point out that they are unlikely to be eaten by a lion (Jim) or be burned to death for telling lies (Matilda). http:bit.lyusF8PU

TRICKS AND TREATS

The Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood in east London houses the UK’s national collection of childhood-related artefacts and toys - one of the finest in the world - which spans the 1600s to the present. It also runs an award-winning programme for schools, gives talks for students, and runs schemes for children with special needs. Learn more at www.vam.ac.ukmoc .