Living among other people, in their families and communities, children become aware from a very early age of questions related to justice, and they search for the meaning of the world. By fostering an understanding of human rights, shaping opinion and developing attitudes, human rights education strongly supports this natural interest and learning process. This is what human rights education is about and this is what ’Compasito manual on human rights education for children' is for.’Compasito' is a starting point for educators, teachers and trainers who are ready to deal with human rights education with children of 7-13 years. The book covers the key concepts of human rights and children's rights, and provides substantial theoretical background to 13 key human rights issues, such as democracy, citizenship, gender equality, environment, media, poverty, and violence.The 42 practical activities serve to engage and motivate children to recognise human rights issues in their own environment. They help children to develop critical thinking, responsibility and a sense of justice, and help them learn how to take action to contribute to the betterment of their school or community. The manual also gives practical tips on how it can be used in various formal and non-formal educational settings.

Children are young citizens of the present, living in the 'here and now', rights holders and competent in many issues related to their lives. Human rights education aims to establish a culture of human rights. Human rights education should have a key role in any educational processes. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child offers an invaluable opportunity for introducing human rights to children. Learning about and experiencing children’s rights helps children to understand what human rights are about, to understand that they are rights-holders themselves, and to adapt and apply their rights in everyday life. These are the key aims of human rights education with children. Compasito is a manual designed to facilitate the practice of human rights education with children. Its primary users are adults active in formal and non-formal education with children. Compasito provides ideas, inspiration and practical help to explore human rights with children. It looks at children as young citizens of the present and as rights-holders who are competent in many issues related to their life. It builds on children’s motivations, experiences and their search for solutions. In Compasito, children’s rights are presented within the wider context of human rights as a whole. Thus, universal human rights and children’s rights are jointly presented in such a way that by understanding their own rights, children also understand that all human beings have human rights. The educational process builds on children’s active participation, by which they learn about human rights and understand human rights issues, acquire skills and abilities to be able to defend human rights, and develop attitudes of respect for equality and dignity. Practitioners of human rights education will find inspiration and practical ideas in this manual to make human rights education a reality for children and for the benefit of our societies.

Living among other people, in their families and communities, children become aware from a very early age of questions related to justice, and they search for the meaning of the world. By fostering an understanding of human rights, shaping opinion and developing attitudes, human rights education strongly supports this natural interest and learning process. This is what human rights education is about and this is what `Compasito - manualon human rights education for children' is for.`Compasito' is a starting point for educators, teachers and trainers who are ready to deal with human rights education with children of 7-13 years. The book familiarizes the reader with the key concepts of human rights and children's rights, and provides substantial theoretical background to 13 key human rights issues, such as democracy, citizenship, gender equality, environment, media, poverty, and violence.The 42 practical activities serve to engage and motivate children to recognise human rights issues in their own environment. They help children to develop critical thinking, responsibility and a sense of justice, and help them learn how to take action to contribute to the betterment of their school or community. The manual also gives practical tips on how it can be used in various formal and non-formal educational settings.

Human rights cannot be defended by legal measures alone. They need to be protected and safeguarded by everyone, including young people. Human rights are best respected and appreciated when we know them, stand up for them and apply them in our lives.COMPASS provides youth leaders, teachers and facilitators of human rights education activities, whether professionals or volunteers, with concrete ideas and practical activities to engage, involve and motivate young people in living, learning and acting for human rights. It promotes a comprehensive perspective on human rights education and sees young people as actors for a culture of universal human rights.COMPASS was originally published in 2002 and is now available in more than 30 languages. A version specifically designed for human rights education with children - COMPASITO - enjoys a similar success. This fully revised and updated edition includes new activities and information about human rights issues such as disability and disablism, migration, religion, remembrance, war and terrorism.COMPASS is a practical tool and resource for citizenship and human rights education. It is an essential companion for all those who are curious and interested in making the right to human rights education a reality for everyone.