I am a child, I have rights

To safeguard children and enhance their quality of life, the 'Convention on the Rights of the Child' was ratified by the United Nations General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989, designating November 20 as 'World Children's Rights Day'.

To celebrate the day, the World Academy for Local Government and Democracy (WALD) organized two separate events themed "Child, I Have Rights" which were held in Balat on Oct. 24 and in Sultangazi on Oct. 27.

During these events, professional communicators guided the creation of photographs aligned with themes highlighting children's rights, exploring their emotional landscapes and engagements with their surroundings. Children were actively encouraged to express their emotions and thoughts through artistic means, fostering both self-expression and a deeper understanding of their entitlements. The core objective of the Children's Rights program was not only to raise awareness of these rights but also to fortify them by merging psychological and physical experiences.

Outlined below are the significant impacts of this initiative on children's psychological development:

Heightened Awareness:

The initiative effectively raised awareness among children regarding their rights, emphasizing the importance of respecting and safeguarding these entitlements. 

Freedom of Expression and Self-Confidence:

Each photograph captured during the event depicted the emotional worlds of children and their interactions with their environment, serving as a visual form of expression. This process significantly contributed to enhancing their self-assurance by enabling them to freely articulate their emotional expressions.

Discovering Personal Voice:

Through the act of photographing, children found a platform to express their observations, thoughts, and feelings, fostering the development of their unique identities.

Empathy Cultivation:

As children delved deeper into the lives and emotions of their peers via the photographs, it facilitated a profound perspective shift, aiding in the development of their empathetic skills.

The culmination of these events not only empowered children to recognize and advocate for their rights but also nurtured their emotional and psychological growth, fostering a generation more aware and compassionate towards the rights and emotions of others.