By Grupo Zeta.

“Children are our future”. An undeniably true phrase repeated over and over again

In 1959, UN passed the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which included 10 fundamental rights guaranteeing their safety and development and was the basis for the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 1989, it was ratified and came into force in 1990. 192 countries in total have signed the declaration.

It includes 54 articles related to civil, political, economic, and cultural rights. Children are recognized as individuals with rights, and on the basis of their condition as vulnerable individuals in process of development, they are especially protected.

The10 pillars of the declaration recognize the right to equality, special protection, nationality, medical services, care of minors with disabilities, care and understanding by parents and society, free education, promoting solidarity and justice, protection from all forms of danger, and protection against the abandonment.

Unicef Education

The program Unicef Education promotes behavior and values of solidarity, peace, and social justice among children and youth, who will take part and this way are encouraged in their commitment. The program is aimed at schools who opt for it.

The organization believes that to organize an educational life it is essential to understand and promote the rights of a child. However, Unicef does not force educational centres to apply for it, and also why schools decide themselves the degree to which they implement it in every course.

Commitment to children’s rights

• Centres in the network. There are more than 5,000 centres in Spain registered in the organization’s network. Through them the organization receives educational information and material to share experiences and practices on their official blog.
• Friendship schools. There are 146 friendship schools in Spain. These centres are committed to cooperation, solidarity, and support for children. They are actively involved in getting them access to the resources that better their lives.
• Model centres. There are 32 centres recognized as such. These schools have been boosting their commitment every year, with most of their educational programs based on children’s rights.

Banco Santander’s Commitment

Santander Bank has collaborated with Unicef for 12 years promoting children’s education. During the last 5 years, Santander Bank has donated more than 1 million of Euros to the cause. The agreement was renewed in April of 2018, establishing that the entity will donate to the organization 0.5% of the average credit balance of Cuenta Mini 123.

Spain and Mexico will be the next countries to benefit from the contribution. In our country, it will go towards the promotion of children’s rights outreach in educational centres; in Mexico, the donation will go towards education for native children.