National Child Day Poster Contest

Children across the province will have the chance to share their talent and knowledge of children's rights by taking part in an annual National Child Day poster contest.

The Office of the Ombudsman, youth services, is asking students from Primary to Grade 7 to design posters for National Child Day that illustrate their understanding of this year's theme, It's Our Time to be Heard. The contest theme supports Bullying Awareness Week's theme, Stand Up to Bullying.

"The National Child Day poster contest gives children the chance to express themselves and their opinions, and shape their own future," said Nova Scotia Ombudsman Dwight Bishop. "I encourage young people to participate in the contest, and to help share the message that all children have the right to have their voices heard."

The contest provides an opportunity for teachers to facilitate discussions respecting children's rights and achieve their learning outcomes.

One entry from each grade level will be selected as a winner, and a prize will be awarded for best class participation. Winners will be announced on National Child Day, Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Nov. 12. Artwork should be mailed to:
Office of the Ombudsman 5670 Spring Garden Rd. Suite 700 P.O. Box 2152 Halifax, N.S., B3J 3B7

The judges will be from the Ombudsman office, child and youth workers, and other special guests. Winners will be chosen based on artistic merit, creativity, and understanding and theme communication.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989. It outlines the basic human rights those younger than 18 are entitled to. Canada approved the convention in 1991 and has been celebrating National Child Day since 1993.

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/ombu .