Introduction
Welcome! This is a book just for you. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many things changed: schools closed, play stopped, and we missed our friends. But even in hard times, children have special rights.

This book will help you learn what those rights are and how they protect you. With stories, pictures, and fun facts, you’ll discover how powerful your voice is!

What Are Rights?
Rights are special rules that help keep every child safe, happy, and strong.
They protect you from harm and help you grow.
You have them because you are a child and no one can take them away!

Why Rights Matter Now?
When COVID-19 started, many children faced hard times.
Some were hurt or left alone. Others had no food or couldn’t go to school.
That’s why it’s so important to know your rights so you can speak up and get help.

Who Protects Your Rights?
Your family, teachers, and government should all work together to protect your rights. Even during a pandemic, they must make sure you're safe and cared for. You have the right to be heard, helped, and loved.

What This Book Will Show You
This book will help you understand your rights like the right to play, learn, be healthy, and speak out. With every right, you'll see a drawing to help explain what it means.

By learning your rights, you’ll know how to stand up for yourself and for others too!

What Are Children’s Rights? (UNCRC Article 1)
If you are under 18, you are a child and have rights that help you grow up safe, strong, and happy.
"You're a child until you're 18. That means these rights belong to YOU!"

All Children Are Equal (UNCRC Article 2).

Every child is different, and that’s what makes the world awesome. Your rights are the same, no matter your race, gender, religion, or ability.

"Your rights go with you, no matter who you are or where you live."

The Right to Life and Good Care (UNCRC Article 6)

You have the right to live and grow up healthy. This means getting enough food, clean water, sleep, and medicine.
"Grown-ups must help you stay healthy and strong."

The Right to a Safe Home (UNCRC Article 19)

You have the right to be safe. If home is not safe, the government must help. No child should be hurt or left alone.
"If something feels wrong, speak up. Safe adults must help you."

The Right to Be Cared For (UNCRC Article 20)

If your parents can’t look after you, others must step in to make sure you are safe and loved.
"Every child needs love, care, and attention."

COVID-19 and Children Left Alone (UNCRC Article 6 & 20)

During COVID-19, some children lost their caregivers. These children must be given extra care, support, and kindness.
"Even in hard times, your life and safety matter."

The Right to Be Part of a Family (UNCRC Article 9)

You have the right to live with your parents unless it is not safe. If you're separated, people must help you stay connected.
"Families give you love and a place to belong."

The Right to Speak and Be Heard (UNCRC Article 12)

Your opinions matter. You can speak up, share how you feel, and adults should listen.
"Your voice is strong. Use it!"

The Right to Express Yourself (UNCRC Article 13)

You can share your ideas through words, drawings, songs, or dance, as long as it doesn’t hurt others.
"Be creative. Be kind. Be you."

The Right to Make Friends and Join Groups (UNCRC Article 15)

You can choose your friends and join clubs or groups that are peaceful and respectful.

The Right to Play and Rest (UNCRC Article 31)

You have the right to a name, nationality, and to know who you are.
"Your name and identity make you special."

The Right to Privacy (UNCRC Article 16)

You have the right to keep your personal space, things, and secrets private.
"No one can go through your stuff without a good reason."

The Right to Be Safe From HIV Discrimination (UNCRC Articles 2 & 24)

No one should treat you badly because of your health or your family’s health. Children living with HIV still have all their rights.

"You are not your illness. You are important and deserve kindness."

The Right to Good Health (UNCRC Article 24)

You have the right to doctors, medicine, clean water, and nutritious food.
"Health is wealth, and you deserve the best care."

The Right to Social Support (UNCRC Article 26)

If your family needs help, the government must support them with things like food or school supplies.

The Right to Education (UNCRC Article 28)

You have the right to free, quality education. No one should stop you from going to school.

"School helps you dream big."

The Right Not to Work Too Young (UNCRC Article 32)

You shouldn’t do work that is too hard, too dangerous, or stops you from learning.
"Childhood is for learning, not for labor."

The Right to Be Safe From Harmful Things (UNCRC Articles 33 & 36)

You must be protected from drugs, alcohol, and anything that can hurt you.

The Right to Be Safe From Sexual Abuse (UNCRC Article 34)

No one should touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. You can say NO.
"Your body belongs to you."

The Right Not to Be Sold or Exploited (UNCRC Article 35)

No one can use or sell you. You are a child, not a product.

The Right Not to Be Sold or Exploited (UNCRC Article 35)

No one can use or sell you. You are a child, not a product.

Rights of Refugee Children (UNCRC Article 22)

If you leave your country to be safe, you still have all your rights.
"You deserve a fresh start and kindness."

Rights of Children with Disabilities (UNCRC Article 23)

Children with disabilities deserve support, tools, and respect to grow and thrive.

Rights of Children in Trouble with the Law (UNCRC Article 40)

If you break a rule, you still have rights. You should be treated fairly and helped to do better.

Rights of Children in War (UNCRC Article 38)

Children should never be in war or forced to fight. You must be protected.

The Right to Be Safe From Harm (UNCRC Article 19)

No one should hurt you. If something is wrong, you have the right to be helped and to heal.

What Grownups Must Do (UNCRC Articles 4 & 42)

Adults, governments, and communities must make sure your rights are known and respected.
"You have the right to learn your rights and to grow with them."

🇿🇦 Your Rights as a Child in South Africa.

In South Africa, the law says that every child under 18 has special rights. These rights are written in a very important part of our Constitution called the Bill of Rights – in Section 28.

This means the law protects you and makes sure you:
1. Have a name and belong to a country
2. Are cared for by family or trusted adults
3. Have food, a home, health care, and help when needed

4. Are kept safe from harm, abuse, or unfair work
5. Are treated kindly and fairly, even if you are in trouble

These rights help you grow up healthy, happy, and strong.

And remember: what’s best for you always comes first.

This is a child-friendly version of your rights from the South African Constitution – Section 28. If you are under 18, these rights belong to YOU.

Have a name and a nationality Section 28(1)(a))

You have the right to a name and to belong to a country from the day you are born.

Have the right to be cared for . (Section 28(1)(b))

You have the right to live with your family or someone who takes good care of you.

Have the right to what I need to grow (Section 28(1)(c))

You should have food, a place to live, clean water, health care, and help when needed.

I have the right to be safe (Section 28(1)(d))
No one is allowed to hurt you or treat you badly.

I must not be forced to work too hard. (Section 28(1)(e))

You must be protected from unfair or dangerous work.

I must not do work that is bad for me. (Section 28(1)(f))

You must not be made to do work that is unsafe, too hard, or stops you from learning and growing.

I should not be locked up unless it’s (Section 28(1)(g))

Children should only be kept in jail as a last choice. If you are, you must be treated kindly and kept away from adults

I have the right to a lawyer (Section 28(1)(h))

If you’re in a court case and it's serious, the government must give you a lawyer to help you

I must not be used in war (Section 28(1)(i))

Children should never be part of war or fighting.

What’s best for me matters most .
(Section 28(2))

In everything about you, adults must do what’s best for you.

Let's Make the World Better Together
Now that you know your rights, you can:
- Speak up
- Help others
- Ask questions
- Dream big
"You are powerful. You are special. And you are never alone."

ABOUT THIS BOOK.

Children are the future of our world and among its most vulnerable members. The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just disrupt daily life; it reshaped childhood in ways we are only beginning to understand.

As the world rushed to respond, children’s voices were often left out

Praise for the Book:

“A masterpiece of empathy and education, Meje’s words and Hurst’s art make children’s rights impossible to ignore.”

About the Author

George Chitimba Meje has spent many years working with children and fighting for their rights. He has helped street children, supported refugee children, and started a preschool to give all kids a safe place to grow.

George cares deeply about making sure children understand their rights. He wrote this book so children everywhere, even in hard times, can know that their voice matters and they are never alone

Why This Book Was Made:

The world has been going through a big change because of a sickness called COVID-19. It made schools close and stopped children from playing with friends. But one thing hasn’t changed “your rights”.

Acknowledgments.

Many thanks go to Megan Hurst and Jean Knighton-Fitt
This book would not be what it is without the help of two amazing people.

A huge thank you goes to Megan Hurst, the artist who created the bright, beautiful pictures in this book. Her colourful drawings make every right easier to understand and help children feel seen and supported.

I also thank Jean Knighton-Fitt, who carefully edited this book to make sure it could be easily read, understood and enjoyed by children. Her work helped turn important ideas into clear and friendly language that speaks to young readers.

Book Description.

Children’s Rights and the COVID-19 Pandemic is a book that helps you understand your rights as a child, especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

When schools closed, when some kids couldn’t go online, and when many felt scared or alone, this book shows how those experiences were connected to children’s rights.

With amazing illustrations and real stories, this book explains what your rights are, what went wrong during the pandemic, and how we can all make things better in the future.

Whether you’re reading at home, at school, or with a friend, this book will help you learn, think, and speak up for yourself and others.

Children's Rights Activity Pages
Activity 1: Colour Me!

Draw and colour a picture that shows one of your rights. You can draw yourself doing any of these:
- Playing with friends (Right to Play)
- Going to school (Right to Education)

- Being with your family (Right to Family)
- Visiting a doctor (Right to Health)

Use bright colours and share it with your class or family!

Activity 2: Rights Quiz
Circle the correct answer or tick TRUE or FALSE.

1. You have the right to go to school. ( ) TRUE ( ) FALSE
2. Only some children have rights. ( ) TRUE ( ) FALSE

3. What does the right to play mean?
A. You must play quietly every day
B. You can play and rest safely
C. You are not allowed to play

4. Who should protect your rights?
A. Only your parents
B. Only teachers
C. Parents, teachers, and government

Activity 3: Rights Word Puzzle

Can you find all these words in a word search or crossword puzzle?

PLAY, SAFE, SCHOOL, FAMILY, VOICE, HEALTH, FOOD, HOME
[Ask your teacher to help print a puzzle grid or make one together!]

Activity 4: Match the Right
Match the picture to the correct right:

1. A child with a soccer ball........................... Right to ________
2. A child getting medicine.......................... Right to ________

3. A child reading in class........................... Right to ________
4. A child with their parents......................... Right to ________

Activity 5: My Rights Poster.

Use this page to draw or write about your favourite right.
Write: “My favourite right is __________ because __________.”
Add drawings, colours, or stickers to decorate your poster!

Rights Quiz – Extra Questions
Test your knowledge! Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the right to play?
A. Only adults can play
B. Children should always study, not play
C. Children need time to rest and play
2. Who has children's rights?
A. Only boys
B. All children under 18
C. Only children in school

3. What should happen if a child feels unsafe?
A. They must stay quiet
B. They should tell a trusted adult
C. They should hide alone

4. What is your right to education?
A. Only rich children can go to school
B. All children can go to school and learn
C. Only children over 10 can study

5. What is the right to be healthy?
A. Children should stay home and hope to get better
B. Children can see doctors and get medicine when sick
C. Only adults need doctors

6. What does the right to be heard mean?
A. Only teachers can talk
B. Children should always be quiet
C. Children can share ideas and be listened to

7. Which of these is NOT a right?
A. The right to be treated badly
B. The right to a name
C. The right to play

8. What is the right to be safe?
A. Children should be hurt as punishment
B. Adults must protect children from harm
C. Children must protect adults

9. What does the right to identity mean?
A. Every child has a name and nationality
B. Children must change their names
C. Only babies have names

10. Who must help protect children's rights?
A. Only your friends
B. Parents, teachers, and the government
C. Only doctors

Answer Key – Extra Rights Quiz

1. What is the right to play?
✅ C. Children need time to rest and play (UNCRC Article 31)


2. Who has children's rights?
✅ B. All children under 18 (UNCRC Article 1)

3. What should happen if a child feels unsafe?
✅ B. They should tell a trusted adult (UNCRC Article 19)


4. What is your right to education?
✅ B. All children can go to school and learn (UNCRC Article 28)

5. What is the right to be healthy?
✅ B. Children can see doctors and get medicine when sick (UNCRC Article 24)


6. What does the right to be heard mean?
✅ C. Children can share ideas and be listened to (UNCRC Article 12)

7. Which of these is NOT a right?
✅ A. The right to be treated badly (This is NOT a real right)


8. What is the right to be safe?
✅ B. Adults must protect children from harm (UNCRC Article 19)

9. What does the right to identity mean?
✅ A. Every child has a name and nationality (UNCRC Article 7)


10. Who must help protect children's rights?
✅ B. Parents, teachers, and the government (UNCRC Article 4)

In Conclusion

Every child has rights — no matter where they live, who they are, or what is happening in the world.

Knowing your rights helps you speak up, stay safe, and grow with confidence.

You are important. You are strong. And your voice matters.
Let’s keep learning, sharing, and standing up for the rights of all children.