The Children S Commissioner for Wales Ambassador Scheme Will Launch a New Microsite In

July 2012

The Children’s Commissioner for Wales’ Ambassador Scheme will launch a new microsite in the Autumn term. Ambassadors, and potential Ambassadors, have been telling the Commissioner that they would love to have an online resource that they can use in the classroom to provide them with information about the scheme, the UNCRC and the Commissioner and to help them connect with other Ambassadors across Wales. The new site will act as a hub, guiding users through the whole Ambassador process, from applying to be an Ambassador school to conducting elections and logging achievements.

The Childrens Commissioner for Wales’ Ambassadors scheme was set up five years ago as a way of making sure that children in Primary schools are aware of the Commissioner Keith Towler’s office and know how to contact him and his team if they need advice or support.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) underpins all of the work of the Children’s Commissioner for Wales. The UNCRC is also the central theme of the Ambassadors’ Scheme. Knowledge of the articles within the convention can provide teaching staff and children with a basis for discussion and exploration of themes that include health and emotional well- being, moral and spiritual development, active citizenship, sustainable development and global citizenship.

The basic principles of the scheme are that two children (usually from year five or six) are elected by pupils to become Ambassadors. Their three main roles are:

1. To raise awareness within their school of the Commissioner and how to contact him

2. To raise awareness of the UNCRC within their school

3. To take on a ‘special mission’ in their school for the Children’s Commissioner.

As of July 2012 we have over 130 primary schools registered as part of the scheme. By 2015 we would like all primary schools in Wales to have had an opportunity to engage with the scheme.

This project is free and links with a variety of other schemes including; Eco Schools, Healthy Schools, Fairtrade Schools and ESDGC.

If you are interested in joining our Ambassadors scheme or would like more information please contact us by calling 01792 765600, or email [email protected].