Courageous Advocacy in Action

At Aston Rowant CE Primary School, courageous advocacy is more than a curriculum theme – it is a living expression of the school’s Christian vision and commitment to empowering children to stand up for justice and make a positive difference in the world.

As part of the school’s Courageous Advocacy project, Owl Class were challenged to identify a global issue that mattered to them and consider how they could respond. The issue that captured their hearts was the impact of conflict on children in Gaza, particularly the devastating effect on access to education.

Through careful research using reputable sources, the children discovered that many schools in Gaza had been damaged or destroyed. They reflected on their learning about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and recognised that the right to education was being denied to many children. Drawing upon their understanding of children’s rights, they identified several articles they believed were being affected and began considering how they could make their voices heard.

Demonstrating remarkable compassion, determination and maturity, the pupils wrote to their local Member of Parliament, Freddie van Mierlo, inviting him to visit the school and hear about their concerns. They also launched a petition calling on the UK Government to explain how it is supporting children in Gaza whose education has been disrupted.

Mr van Mierlo accepted the invitation and was deeply impressed by the children’s knowledge, passion and thoughtful engagement with global issues. Following his visit, he invited representatives from Owl Class to the House of Commons to present their petition in person.

Reflecting on his visit, Freddie van Mierlo MP said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Owl Class at Aston Rowant CofE Primary. The children shared their inspiring Courageous Advocacy project and spoke eloquently and passionately about their campaign. I was deeply moved by how they expressed their values of gratitude, resilience, outreach, wonder, trust and harmony – not merely as words, but as principles they live by with genuine intention and purpose. It was a real privilege to meet such thoughtful and engaged young people.”

On 7 July, four representatives from Owl Class travelled to Westminster, where they toured the Houses of Parliament before delivering their petition at No. 10 Downing Street. The petition had attracted more than 1,500 signatures from supporters across the country.

For the children, the experience was a powerful demonstration that even young voices can make an impact. For the school community, it provided a shining example of courageous advocacy in action – children using knowledge, empathy and conviction to engage with complex issues and seek change.

Aston Rowant CE Primary School is incredibly proud of Owl Class and the way they have embodied the values of compassion, justice and service. Their journey serves as an inspiration to schools across the Diocese, showing what can be achieved when children are encouraged to think deeply, act courageously and live out their faith through action.