World Children's Day
A day for the world to listen to children.
20 November marks the United Nations adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. NOV20 helps schools mark the day through a classroom exchange — meeting another classroom, somewhere in the world.
What is World Children's Day?
Universal Children's Day was established in 1954 by the United Nations to promote international togetherness and improve children's welfare. On 20 November 1959, the UN adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. On the same date in 1989, it adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child — now the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.
That's why 20 November matters. It is the date children's rights moved from idea to international commitment.
Why is it on 20 November?
Because that's the date the world said, on the record, that children have rights — and that adults have responsibilities to protect, provide, and listen. School communities mark the day in many ways: assemblies, lessons, fundraising, art, debate. NOV20's contribution is one specific thing: helping one classroom meet another.
What are children's rights?
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out 54 articles. Together they describe the rights every child has — regardless of where they live, what language they speak, or what their family looks like.
- The right to be safe. From harm, exploitation, and violence.
- The right to learn. Free primary education for every child.
- The right to play. Rest, leisure, culture, and the arts.
- The right to a name and identity.
- The right to be heard (Article 12) — in decisions that affect them.
- The right to a family and home.
- The right to be cared for if separated from parents.
Articles paraphrased for school-friendly use. For the full text, see the United Nations OHCHR website.
Activities
Ways to mark the day in the classroom.
Pair any of these with your NOV20 exchange, or use them standalone if your class isn't matched this year.
If children ran the world…
Pupils write or draw three things they would change. Compare with the partner class.
Rights and responsibilities
Discuss which rights pupils think are most important and which feel hardest to live up to.
Child voice wall
Each pupil writes one sentence: 'If you could tell the world one thing about being a child today, what would it be?' Share with your partner class.
Letter to a future you
Pupils write a letter to themselves in five years' time. Share themes (not names) with the partner class.