On 15 Nov 2025, we celebrated the official launch of My Rights As a Child with approximately 30 families, educators, and community members who came together at Markham Wesley Centre ahead of National Child Day (November 20).

Designed for readers aged 6 to 12, our picture book brings the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to life in a way that’s warm, engaging, and fun to explore together.

We were truly honored to welcome some incredible guests who shared their insights on why children’s rights:

• Mr. Irwin Elman, Former Ontario Child Advocate and President of Defence for Children International – Canada, reminded us that “children’s rights are important tools that children must learn, especially at this age where the idea of rights is under attack.”
• Councillor Isa Lee (Ward 8, City of Markham) shared how the book helps parents talk about these big ideas in simple ways: “As a parent, a lot of these ideas are hard to convey, but this book simplifies it.”
• Ron Lynn, Chair of York Region District School Board, emphasized that “every child deserves a learning environment where they feel safe, respected, and listened to.”

Children and youth also participated in a fun, interactive rights workshop where they explored what rights mean in their daily lives.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our partners at Markham Wesley Centre for hosting. We hope My Rights As a Child becomes a cherished tool for children, families, and educators.