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Developing your talents and abilities

13 – 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Shane’s story

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

What does this mean?

Article 29 of the UNCRC describes what kind of education children should receive.

It explains that the education system should not just focus on academic subjects. Instead, the goal of education should be to develop your personality, talents and abilities to their fullest.

Education should also help children develop respect for human rights, the natural environment, different cultural identities, and the values of their country.

How is this right protected in Ireland?

The Minister for Education receives advice from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to help them decide what should be included in the school curriculum.

The NCCA tries to make sure that the curriculum in Ireland is diverse and inclusive. To do this, it carries out research, asks for the views of the public and professionals, and examines other education systems around the world to see what works best.

The NCCA also gives guidance on how schools can develop wellbeing programmes. This guidance focuses on areas such as extra-curricular activities; creating positive relationships between students, and between students and staff; making sure that students’ voices are listened to; and ensuring that students feel confident and engaged in their learning.

Shane’s story

Hi, I’m Shane, I’m 16, and this year I was chosen to be the head of my school’s Green Committee. We’ve organised loads of projects to get other pupils thinking more about climate change and the positive impact we can have on the environment. We created posters that were put up all round the school, we ran a campaign to encourage everyone to walk or cycle to school, and we even convinced our principal to let us have a greenhouse so we could grow our own fruit and vegetables. It’s important that young people get involved in groups like ours so they’re aware of issues in the wider world and know how they can take action!

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

Unfortunately, extracurricular activities like sports, music classes, and trips abroad can often be quite expensive. Many families can struggle to pay for things like equipment, kit, and instruments meaning their children might have fewer opportunities available to them.

Some schools might also not have enough resources to be able to offer these kinds of activities to students, whether that’s the right facilities or the staff to host them.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.