Courageous Advocacy – Owl Class Take Action
As part of Aston Rowant’s school-wide Courageous Advocacy project, Owl Class were set the challenge of identifying and responding to a global issue that mattered to them. The children were presented with a range of meaningful projects, including supporting a campaign to provide Wi-Fi access for schools in rural Africa, and protecting olive crops to sustain the livelihoods of indigenous families. There was one issue immediately captured the hearts and minds of the class-the plight of children in Gaza.
Through careful research using reputable sources, the children discovered that at that time, 90% of schools in Gaza had been severely damaged, with 40% completely destroyed. The pupils were deeply affected by this and quickly recognised that such circumstances represent a clear breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Drawing on their prior learning and our school corridor displays, they confidently identified and referred to the specific articles being violated-particularly the right to education.
Inspired and empowered, the children took action. They wrote thoughtfully considered letters to our local MP, Freddie van Mierlo, inviting him to visit the school, listen to their concerns, and support a petition calling on the UK Government to demonstrate how it is helping children in Gaza who are being denied access to education.
Mr van Mierlo not only accepted the invitation to visit Aston Rowant last summer. He was so impressed with how the children spoke about their project and the UN Rights of a Child, he extended a further opportunity; inviting the children to the House of Commons to present their petition in person. We visit the week after next on Tuesday 16th June.
We are incredibly proud of Owl Class. This experience has exemplified the power of pupil voice, showing that when children are informed, passionate, and courageous, they can engage meaningfully with the wider world. Their determination, empathy, and advocacy truly reflect the values of Aston Rowant, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to use their voices to make a difference.