In April 2009, the Human Rights Commission initiated a programme for primary school children intended to introduce young children to the concept of treating each other fairly and equally from an early age.

The programme was designed after a considerable amount of research, and included an introduction by one of the Human Rights Commissioners about the reason for the visit, followed by the reading of a book written by well known CBS news correspondent, Katie Couric, entitled “The Brand New Kid.” It tells of a new student named Laslo arriving at a school. Laslo is different from all the other children, and at first he is not treated nicely by them. But a young girl eventually befriends him and realizes that even if he looks or sounds slightly different, he can still be a good friend to her and all the other children. The story, of course, ends happily, with Laslo being accepted by everyone.

Following story time the children are all provided with different coloured stars, and the Commissioners go through a simple exercise to demonstrate what happens when children are treated differently. The presentation concludes with the message that the Human Rights Commission is here to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.

This pilot programme has already been taken to Primary 2 children at St. George’s Preparatory School and to West Pembroke School, and in both schools it was considered a great success, with both students and teachers giving it high praise. (see photo album)

Contributing greatly to its success are the personalities of the two Commissioners making the presentation, Mrs. Jennifer Lucarini, and Mr. Robert Trew. Both are very enthusiastic and they quickly establish a positive rapport with the children.

Plans are afoot to visit Heron Bay School before the end of this school term, and it is anticipated that the HRC’s presentations will become a regular feature for primary school children during the next school year.