Children’s rights and wellbeing programme visits Sion Mills Integrated PS
Selfie time: NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Chris Quinn, pictured during his recent visit to Sion Mills Integrated Primary School
Staff reporter
Email:
news@strabaneweekly.co.uk
Sunday 26 July 2026 10:21
NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) and Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) took to the road across Derry and Strabane to visit a series of schools and community groups that are making a big difference to improve the wellbeing of their pupils and community.This is part of council’s ongoing programme as a recognised UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community, which is designed to educate children, carers and families, to help nurture a culture of acceptance of children’s rights within communities in the North West district.The tour on Tuesday, June 23 celebrated the babies, children, young people and organisations using the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to help make Derry and Strabane a better and friendlier place to live.The one-day roadshow stopped at schools, family support clubs and youth centres to deliver fun workshops and provide children’s rights information packs to help children learn about their rights.One of the schools visited was Sion Mills Integrated Primary School.A key part of the roadshow was having the chance to meet and listen to the people behind the projects and understand what is needed in their community and schools to help them thrive.The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Chris Quinn, said: “This roadshow has been nothing short of incredible.”It’s amazing to have spent the day in the North West, engaging with so many children and young people.”What we are seeing in Derry and Strabane is how children’s rights are prioritised, and babies, children and young people flourish.“Special words of thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers in all of the projects that we visited. It is your work that is making children’s rights a reality.”The UNCRC is clearly part of the fabric of children and young people’s day-to-day lives and experiences, we need to fully incorporate all of its articles into law.”NICCY is dedicated to incorporating the rights of children into NI law to build a society that places babies, children and young people at the centre of its legislation and policies to ensure no one is left behind.The Commissioner also recognised children behind projects that have promoted and protected the rights of children by presenting them with NICCY Child Rights Defender badges.Since 2025, Chris Quinn has presented over 150 NICCY Child Rights Defender badges to children and young people who have made a positive change to their school and community by standing up for their rights.Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Catherine McDaid, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Commissioner for Children and Young People back to our council area and to showcase some of the fantastic work taking place across the city and district to support our youth.“As a proud UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of children and young people are heard and reflected in the decisions that affect their lives.“Today’s roadshow highlighted the dedication of our schools, youth groups, family support organisations and community leaders who work daily to create opportunities for young people to thrive.“I would like to congratulate all the children and young people who were recognised for championing children’s rights in their schools and communities.“We look forward to continuing our partnership with NICCY and our local communities to build on this momentum and ensure that Derry and Strabane remains a place where every child feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.”
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