A TEAM of young people from Scottish Borders Youth Voice have created a new resource pack for their peers to learn about Child Rights.

The Child Rights Ambassador Handbook is the result of 18 months commitment and dedication by a group of 10 young people aged 13-18 who volunteered their time and ideas to the Child Rights Ambassador programme. Last week they launched their handbook at a training session for teachers and youth workers.

The handbook is written by young people for young people and includes information about rights as well as activities that help develop an understanding about rights. It contributes to the promotion of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and encourages young people to be leaders in their school or community by teaching others about rights, including their peers, parents and teachers.

The programme was supported by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) with additional funding secured by the young people from the Truth About Youth fund, which is managed by Young Scot.

Gemma Watson, 17, of Earlston, said: “It was great to help run our first training session after all our hard work.

“I am excited about getting the project set up in schools all over the Borders so that other young people can gain the skills and confidence that I have through the child rights group.” SBC’s Children and Young People’s Champion, Councillor Iain Gillespie added: “This is a great piece of work by our local young people. I am delighted that each Child Rights Ambassador has the task of telling their peers about their rights and the work of Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.

“I am sure they will all make a superb job of organising events and activities in their school and community to further this goal.” The work has also caught the attention of Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People. He said: “The Child Rights Ambassador Handbook is fantastic resource that empowers young people to explore their rights with their peers and also with adults.

“The project’s participative approach with young people at the centre - truly leading the work - is a commendable example of children’s rights in action. The group’s commitment to the project and the breadth of work they have undertaken shines out from every page.

“I’m looking forward to hearing how the scheme progresses in the Scottish Borders, and with this group of committed individuals at the helm, I’m confident it will be a great success.”