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The Government, in partnership with an independent survivors’ steering group, is asking children, young people and their families to share their views to help plan the first public event for Jersey Children’s Day this year.
Children’s Day is held annually, on 3 July, following a recommendation made by a Citizen’s Panel set up after the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry (IJCI). The IJCI published its final report of the failings in Jersey’s child care system over many decades on 3 July 2017.
As a result, the Citizen’s Panel called for 3 July to be Jersey’s Children’s Day to remember the past and a day to look to the future.
The Panel also recommended that the Jersey school curriculum should explain the significance of Children’s Day to children and young people in an age-appropriate and sensitive way.
Rob Sainsbury, Interim Director General of Children Young People Education and Skills, said: “This is the first year, since the COVID-19 pandemic, that a public family event for Jersey Children’s Day can be held. Therefore it is vital that we ask children and young people what they would like to see and get them involved. I’d would encourage them, with the help of their parents or carers, to fill out our survey.”
The focus of the first Jersey Children’s Day, in 2020, was centred on regeneration and growth. Schools and nurseries chose a tree to plant in their grounds, which are now a lasting legacy in schools across the island.
A student from Haute Vallée School, designed the emblem, which represents the importance that we must all place on ensuring that every child in Jersey can grow up safely, enjoy their rights and reach their full potential.
In 2021 the Department worked with ArtHouse Jersey on The Map of Wonders project in schools for Children’s Day.
Mr Sainsbury added: “We are delighted to work with ArtHouse Jersey again on another exciting project for Jersey Children’s Day 2022 as well as the independent survivor steering group in ensuring the day is included in our curriculum in schools and colleges.”
Seán O’ Regan, Group Director of Education, said: “The Curriculum Council have agreed that age-appropriate information will be included in the school’s curriculum to ensure all children and young people understand the role of the Jersey Children’s Commissioner and how this emerged from the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.
“For older students in Key Stage 3 and above we will include The History of the Care System. Senior advisors in the Department will work with schools to ensure Children’s Day is embedded into the curriculum so we do not forget the lessons of the past as we seek to secure a positive future for all the Island’s children and young people."
