Every Child Needs To Learn Children are born curious and eager to learn. Many children across the world do not have the opportunity to be educated because of the color of their skin, the amount of money their families have, whether the child is a girl or a boy, and numerous other barriers. This is simply not acceptable. Without this opportunity children can only dream of what their lives might be like and many times are stuck in a cycle of poverty. Every child has the fundamental right to a basic education. When this need is met, children learn new skills, see the world as larger than their own reality, and develop hope and possibilities for a constructive life.

Every Child Needs Food Children need nutritious food in order to be healthy. Without enough of the right kinds of food, children suffer from diseases and millions die because of hunger. When this most basic need is met, children are able to grow and develop and engage in meaningful life experiences.

Every Child Needs Love and a Home All children have the right to be cherished and nurtured. Without the security of place and devotion, a positive sense of self cannot develop. Children who know they are loved and have a place to come home to possess the ability to grow up strong emotionally, spiritually, socially, morally, mentally, and physically. Consequently, they develop beneficial life skills, discover how to care for others, and contribute in positive ways to their communities.

Every Child Needs Friends Children need the ability to create relationships where they are free to share their hopes, dreams, thoughts, beliefs, and expressions of self. Diversity should be embraced: discrimination of any kind creates unnecessary separations and denies each child's dignity. Life without Friends is lonely and causes stunted social development as the child is unable to reflect, have her/his voice heard, and interact with others. Positive relationships form connecting bonds which encourage each person to be her/his best self.

Every Child Needs Care and Medicine Children are vulnerable and need to be first to receive help when there is a crisis. They also deserve a healthy start in life and treatment when needed. Millions of children die each year because they do not have access to medicines and vaccines which would cure disease and in fact, prevent suffering and illness. When children have help in time of need, they are free to grow and develop their inborn potential.

Every Child Needs to Play and be Free from Exploitation Children have the right to play and grow up in a safe environment. Many children however, lose their innocence and are abused through cruel forced child labor and other types of misery. Children who cannot be children are isolated, angry, depressed, and untaught in social norms. A huge part of who a child is develops through the learning acquired as a result of play. Play is fun and it provides the chance to ease stress, interact with others, be adventuresome, and develop new skills.

Every Child Needs Peace Children who experience peace within themselves, their family, and their society have a sense of well-being and are free to soar. Children who lack peace in any of these areas are forced to shield themselves from real and imagined fear. They are disproportionately effected when peace is absent, oftentimes robbed of many or all of the other basic rights of humanity. When peace embraces a child's life s/he is able to release his/her innate promise and can help create a just society.

Every Child needs Clean Air to Breathe and Fresh Water to Drink When environmental safeguards are in place, children are able to grow up and enjoy the interconnectedness of all life, and the beauty the earth provides. When the planet is not respected however, children become one of the first victims of the abuse. Their developing bodies and minds are simply more sensitive to environmental hazards. A child's very existence and quality of life is dependent upon a healthy planet.

Based upon the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child Artwork © Marla Blevins and used with permission; Design © Josh Paula; Modified by Angie Guinan