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Rights of the Child Essay Contest

For students in grades 8 to 12

On November 20th, 2009, the international community will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly. The Office of the Ombudsman invites students in grades 8 to 12 to take part in an essay contest to mark this important event.

The winner will be invited to act as the Ombudsman for Nova Scotia for a day. A prize of $250 will be awarded to the class with the best participation.

Students are asked to write an essay based on one of the three suggested topics. The essay must be a minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 500 words. The essay must be double-spaced, and may be either typed or handwritten. A Title Page must include your name, address and school, School District, grade, and your home room teacher‛s name.

Possible Essay Topics

• Discuss rights and responsibilities as they relate to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Discuss the implementation of Children’s Rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. How do you think Canada is doing in comparison to other countries? What more can Nova Scotia do?
• Any other topic reflective of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

A panel selected from Ombudsman‛s representatives will judge the essays based on students‛ understanding of the topic, as well as grammar, spelling, neatness and creativeness.

All essays must be received by the Office of the Ombudsman no later than November 15th, 2009.

E-mail essays to: ombudsman@gov.ns.ca

Or mail your essay to:
5670 Spring Garden Road, Suite 700,
PO Box 2152, Halifax, NS,
B3J 3B7

The winner will be announced on National Child Day – November 20th, 2009.

The Nova Scotia Office of the Ombudsman represents fairness, integrity and good governance for the province.