November 20, 2024, marks the 65th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In celebration of these significant milestones, the Yale Child Study Center's Education Collaboratory is partnering with the undergraduates of Yale’s UNICEF chapter to host an event from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Cohen Auditorium that honors and reflects on the rights of children, with a focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) as a human right.
The event will feature an interactive SEL experience led by youth from New Haven, showcasing the power of SEL in empowering children and adolescents with the skills to cope with the increasing stressors posed by the world’s development challenges, including mental health challenges and climate change. This experience will include a facilitated dialogue that explores the intersection of mental health, climate change, and the role that SEL plays in addressing these issues.
"As these anniversaries are commemorated, it is important to recognize that social and emotional learning is not just a developmental tool, but a fundamental human right," commented Education Collaboratory Director Chris Cipriano. "The Convention on the Rights of the Child underscores the importance of nurturing children’s social, emotional, and mental well-being as essential to their growth and empowerment. SEL equips youth with the tools necessary to manage their emotions, foster resilience, and engage with the world in a positive, constructive way,"
This event is directly aligned with the mission of the Education Collaboratory, to advance the science of learning and SEL globally. Through evidence-based practices and research, lab members aim to empower youth with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. "By promoting SEL as a human right, we work toward a future where all children can thrive, regardless of the challenges they face," said Cipriano.
Yale UNICEF, a member group of the United Nations International Children’s Fund Campus Initiative, has a shared commitment to raising awareness around children's issues, including the critical role of education in children's rights. Together with the Education Collaboratory, they aim to highlight the importance of social and emotional development as an integral part of children's well-being and advocacy for their rights.