Primary school receive visit from Christina McKelvie MSP
Craigbank Primary school in Larkhall were visited by local MSP, Christina McKelvie, with the human rights committee of the school presenting to the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse politician.
The Craigbank Primary human rights committee invited the MSP along to present their latest work and how the committee have been learning about human rights throughout the world.
The pupils expressed to the MSP their injustice that human rights weren’t universally accepted throughout the world, with article 26 – the right to an education under the UN Declaration of Human Rights – being crucial to the pupil’s presentation.
After the presentation, Christina, who convenes the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee, addressed the pupils regarding the Scottish Government’s commitment and ongoing work surrounding human rights.
Commenting on the school visit, Christina McKelvie said:
“Every time I attend a school visit in my constituency, I leave feeling energised and completely inspired by the pupils.
“Craigbank Primary school was no exception. The pupils were fantastic in their presentation and are an absolute credit to their school.
“Their human rights committee is a template of success, giving the pupils an expansive appreciation of their human rights and how the rights that they take for granted aren’t necessarily replicated in all corners of the world.
“Make no mistake, when we came to the question and answer session, the pupils weren’t afraid to speak out – it’s the toughest grilling I’ve had in years!
Commenting further on the visit, head teacher of Craigbank Primary School, Kirsty Boyle, added:
“We are very grateful to Christina McKelvie for visiting the school and spending time with all the pupils explaining her role as convenor of the Equalities and Human Rights committee. The pupils, in all stages had a clear understanding of the basic human rights of everyone and the motivation and interest of pupils shone through. Our Primary 7 children were able to extend their knowledge about asylum seekers and refugees and asked some very challenging questions.
What had been planned as an investigation into human rights became so much more with a clear message that skills learned in school are the foundations for future careers. Christina’s visit embodied our school motto ‘Dream, Believe, Achieve.’