The Halton District School Board is proud to host the
2nd Human Rights Symposium on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 to engage in vital conversations and challenge thinking. This year’s theme is the Rights of the Child and features two keynote speakers Michel Chikwanine and Stephen Lewis. Trustees of the Board have declared
the week of Jan. 18-22 as “Rights of the Child Week” in the HDSB for schools and staff to spend time learning about the rights of children.
The
2021 Symposium will be a virtual event for HDSB students (Grade 7-12) and staff only. Registration is not required and information on how to access the event will be shared with students and staff.
- Morning keynote: Michel Chikwanine, peace advocate and former child soldier. His passion and belief in the possibility for change makes him a remarkable individual and humanitarian.
- Afternoon keynote: Stephen Lewis, celebrated humanitarian and former United Nations Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. He is one of Canada’s most influential commentators on social affairs, international development and human rights.
During “Rights of the Child Week” (Jan. 18-22) in the HDSB, students and staff are encouraged to share what they are learning on social media with the hashtag: #RightsofChildHDSB.
“Human Rights is the work and responsibility of all members of society,” says Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education for the HDSB. “The Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for our HDSB community to address issues impacted by equality and the human condition. We want to engage schools throughout the Board through various resources and encourage all schools to create their own call to action”.
“The Halton District School Board recognizes the importance of participating in vital discussions to challenge our thinking,” says Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the HDSB. “The Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for educators and students to join together to examine important issues and drive actionable change as we engage in focused learning about the rights of children.”
For additional information, contact:
Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education
Halton District School Board
eatoughr@hdsb.ca