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ShapeChild rights

Child rights are fundamental human rights extended to children, recognizing them as individuals with unique needs for protection, development, and participation, ensuring they have access to essentials like health, education, and safety, and empowering them to voice opinions, as defined by the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). These rights cover survival (food, shelter, care), development (education, play), protection (from abuse, exploitation, war), and participation (expression, association).

Key Aspects of Child Rights:

  • Universality & Non-Discrimination: Applies to all children, regardless
    of background (race, gender, religion, etc.).
  • Best Interests First: A child’s well-being and development are the
    primary consideration in all actions concerning them.
  • Survival & Development: Right to life, health, nutrition, clean water,
    and education to reach full potential.
  • Protection: From neglect, abuse, exploitation (including harmful work), trafficking, and conflict.
  • Participation: Right to express views on matters affecting them,
    freedom of thought, and association.
  • Identity: Right to a name, nationality, and to know and be cared for by their parents.

Core Principle:
Children are not property but individuals with their own rights, needing special care and protection due to their vulnerability, but also capable of contributing to society. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) site: is the most widely ratified treaty, outlining these rights for every human under 18.

The Working Group on Children’s Rights shares resources, perspectives and projects to understand and
advocate for children’s rights as expressed in the UNCRC and as experienced by children in diverse contexts
around the world.

Mission
The mission of the Working Group on Children’s Rights (WGCR) is to promote the rights of the child through study, reflection, and dissemination of information about the multiple perspectives and contexts for children’s rights.

Announcing the Global Action for Impact Network: Local Projects, Global Impact
It is our aspiration that by recognizing local projects of any size, this network will positively impact children and their communities and create a global movement that transforms our world, one local initiative at a time. We invite you to join us in this journey. Together, we are positively impacting millions of children around the world.

“When people share local, innovative ideas with a global community, approaches and solutions emerge that enrich and empower communities to build a better world for children and all of us.”
GAIN works in partnership with the World Forum Working Group on Children’s Rights. To find out more and/or learn how you can become involved, visit.

By Becoming a Recognized Initiative of the Global Action for Impact Network (GAIN), You Will…

  • Positively impact the lives of children.
  • Receive international recognition for your work.
  • Be counted, along with other programs, as we measure the global impact of local initiatives.
  • Inspire others by your work to launch initiatives of their own

You Can Submit Your Initiative for Recognition If:

  1. It addresses an identified local or organizational need (no initiative is too big or small)
  2. It includes a child centered and rights focused approach
  3. It has an identified contact/leader to enroll the initiative, adhere to guidelines and take responsibility for submitting brief, periodic updates.
  4. It is current and has a specific time frame (start and end date)
  5. It aligns with the of the World Forum Foundation.

World Forum Spotlight on Children’s Rights

The World Forum Spotlight on Children’s Rights recognizes people and programs that exemplify the Spotlight principles:

  • sharing a belief in/view of children as strong and capable contributors to their education, families, and communities
  • demonstrating a respect for children as individuals and current citizens of their larger community
  • demonstrating thoughtful/meaningful support for children’s sense of agency
  • demonstrating a commitment to promoting this child-centered view of rights throughout their community

Past recipients include:
Anne Sivanathan and the Inclusive Outdoor Classroom, Malaysia,Connie Duran and Mexico.

Additional Resources
What would it look like to document children sharing their views, ideas, and experiences regarding their rights?
Could we create a more inclusive and complex conception of human rights through listening to and observing young children in diverse contexts around the globe?
Voices of Children is a short documentary film created by an international team of educators and filmmakers in response to these challenges. The film is available to families, educators, advocates, and policy-makers as a provocation to reflect, dialogue and take action.
Children’s rights was a major focus of the 2019 World Forum on Early Care and Education. The final version of The Voices of Children documentary was shown, as well as major explorations on children’s rights in sessions on refugees, stateless children, unregistered children, gender issues, indigenous peoples, children with special needs, children impacted by poverty and malnutrition, and children denied access to play.

A Positive Image of Children’s Rights: A discussion with members of the Working Group on Children’s Rights
This article introduces the Images of Rights Project, provides context and background and invites readers’ participation. It is the first of three e articles by the World Forum Foundation’s Working Group on Children’s Rights, which together explain the core principles of provision, protection and participation in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), explore a range of children’s rights issues, and invite you to join our Images of Rights project.
This article discusses the history of children’s rights and the development of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), highlighting the ways in which several countries have interpreted this document. It is the second of three articles by the World Forum Foundation’s Working Group on Children’s Rights, which together explain the core principles of provision, protection and participation in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), explore a range of children’s rights issues, and invite you to join our Images of Rights project.
This article focuses on actions on behalf of children’s rights, including the World Forum Foundation’s Working Group on Children’s Rights, and the Images of Rights and Voices of Children projects. It is the third of three E articles by the World Forum Foundation’s Working Group on Children’s Rights, which together explain the core principles of provision, protection and participation in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), explore a range of children’s rights issues, and invite you to join our Images of Rights project.
by Ellen Hall and Alison Maher – Response by Pam Boulton
Do Children have rights? How can they be active participants in the classroom? And what does this have to do with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child? Ellen Hall, Alison Maher and Pam Boulton, of the Working Group on Children’s Rights discuss these questions and more in this article from Exchange magazine, May/June 2012.
By Ellen Lynn Hall and Jennifer Kofkin Rudkin (foreward by Bonnie Neugebauer). Teachers College Press, 2011
Using examples from a Reggio-inspired school with children from ages 6 weeks to 6 years, the authors emphasize the importance of children’s rights and our responsibility as adults to hear their voices.

ShapeHow to Choose a Speech- Language Therapist (SLT) in Malaysia

With over 300+ speech-language therapists (SLTs) practising in Malaysia, choosing one who could support you or a loved one is a crucial step towards improving communication skills and overall quality of life.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important decision in Malaysia:

Understanding the Role of a Speech

Language Therapist

An SLT helps individuals with various communication and swallowing disorders. They work with people of all ages, from children struggling with speech-language development to adults recovering from strokes or managing other conditions like cancers, brain injuries, Parkinson’s or dementia that affect their communication and swallowing abilities.

Identifying Your Needs
The first step in choosing an SLT is to identify your specific needs or the needs of your loved one. Common areas of focus include:

  • Speech Disorders: Difficulty in forming sounds or words.
  • Language and Literacy Disorders: Problems understanding or using words correctly.
  • Social Communication Disorders: Challenges in using verbal and/or nonverbal communication
  • Voice Disorders: Issues with pitch, volume, or quality of voice.
  • Difficulties in swallowing food or liquids.

Understanding the specific challenges will help you find an SLT with the right expertise.

Research and Recommendations
Start by researching local speech-language therapists. You can ask for recommendations from:

  • Professional Association: The Malaysian Association of Speechlanguage & Hearing (MASH) has a list of registered members sorted according to location (e.g. Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak) and types of services (e.g. public, private, home visits) in their directory. Do note that there are some SLTs who are qualified to practise but not affiliated with MASH as a member.
  • Healthcare Providers: Doctors, especially paediatricians or neurologists, often have contacts with reputable SLTs.
  • Schools and Educational Institutions: Schools sometimes have SLTs on staff or can recommend local professionals in their network.
  • Support Groups and Online Communities: Parents and individuals dealing with similar issues can offer valuable insights and recommendations

Checking Qualifications
In Malaysia, qualified SLTs should have a relevant degree from an accredited institution as listed here. SLTs must be registered with the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC) to be able to practise under the Allied Health Profession Act 774. This means they will have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology/Speech Sciences or a Clinical Masters in Speech Therapy with clinical log hours.

The council is still working on registration and does not have a portal for members of the public to check [as of July 2024], queries can still be emailed to mahpc@moh.gov.my if authenticity is queried. SLTs must be able to produce a registration number and a certificate to practise which looks like this:

Memberships in professional bodies like the Malaysian Association of SpeechLanguage and Hearing (MASH) ensure that members adhere to high standards of practice and continuous professional development.

Assessing Compatibility
The relationship between the SLT and the patient is essential for successful therapy. Schedule an initial consultation to see if the SLT’s approach aligns with your needs and if you feel comfortable with them. During this meeting, consider the following:

  • Communication Style: Does the SLT explain things clearly and listen to your concerns
  • Personality: Is the SLT patient, empathetic, and encouraging?
  • Therapy Approach: Do they use methods that you believe will work well for you or your loved one? What is the evidence (e.g. published articles, statistics, journals beyond personal account/reviews etc.) behind their approaches?

Evaluating the Therapy Plan
An SLT should provide a clear, individualised therapy plan. This plan should outline the goals, the methods to be used, and an estimated timeline for progress. Make sure the plan is realistic and tailored to your specific needs and personal goals.

Here are some questions you could ask your SLT:

  • What are the risks?
  • Are there simpler, safer options?
  • What happens if I don’t do anything?
  • How do we measure if there is (or no) improvement?

Considering Logistics
Practical considerations are also important. Speech therapy fees can be expensive in private healthcare and rehabilitation plans are often long-term.
Think about the following:

  • Location: Is the facility conveniently located? Is the SLT providing teletherapy options
  • Availability: Does the SLT’s schedule align with yours? Who is their
    replacement during their absence?
  • Cost: Are the sessions affordable, and are they covered by insurance or other funding options by charities/NGOs?

e.g. the Malaysian Resource Centre for Hearing and Speech-language (MARCHES) sponsors speech therapy sessions for children from certain socioeconomic bands by paying SLTs directly.

Continuous Evaluation
Once therapy begins, continually evaluate the progress. Effective communication with your SLT is key. If you feel that the therapy isn’t meeting your expectations, discuss your concerns with the SLT. Sometimes, adjustments to the therapy plan can make a significant difference. If necessary, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion or change therapists.

Conclusion
Choosing an SLT in Malaysia involves careful consideration of qualifications, evidence-based practice, compatibility, and practical logistics. By taking the time to research and evaluate your options, you can find a therapist who will effectively support you or your loved one on the path to better communication and improved quality of life.

This article is written by Tay Chia Yi, a hospital-based speechlanguage therapist (SLT) specialising in acute care. She also works in community rehabilitation with NGOs, supporting care partners and people living with dementia. With a passion for neurodiversity-affirming approaches, she advocates for inclusive, tailored, empathetic approaches to supportive therapy. Currently, Chia Yi serves as the President of the Malaysian Association of Speech-Language & Hearing (MASH), championing the rights and well-being of disabled communities and their care partners.

Dedicated to amplifying the lived experiences of marginalised groups, she strives to create inclusive and supportive environments, particularly through advocating for Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC). She is able to communicate in Malaysian Sign Language (MySL).

ShapeSpeech Therapy Service

Speech therapy is crucial for speech-delayed children because it provides early intervention to develop essential communication, social, and academic skills, preventing future learning difficulties, improving self-esteem, and ensuring they can express needs and build relationships effectively, with early help leading to much better outcomes and catching up with peers. It addresses underlying issues like weak oral muscles or hearing problems, helping kids articulate clearly, understand language, and gain confidence.

Key reasons speech therapy is needed:
Boosts Communication: Helps children form sounds, words, and sentences, improving clarity so others understand them.
Fosters Social Skills: Enables better interaction, self-expression, and building friendships.

Supports Academic Growth: Prepares them for school by improving listening, understanding, and verbal skills, preventing later reading and spelling problems.
Enhances Self-Esteem: Reduces frustration, builds confidence, and promotes independence.
Addresses Root Causes: Identifies and treats issues like hearing loss, weak oral muscles, or neurological challenges.
Prevents Long-Term Issues: Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, making it easier to overcome delays and avoid lasting negative impacts.
When to seek therapy: If your child struggles to talk, understand directions, gets easily frustrated when communicating, or isn’t meeting typical milestones (like single words by 18 months), a speech-language pathologist can help by evaluating and creating a tailored plan.

ShapeSpeech Language Therapy

Speech-Language Therapy facility offers a wide range of assessment and therapeutic services to individuals of all ages (children and adult) with speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders/difficulties in the following areas:

  • Articulation and Phonology/Speech Sound
  • Motor Speech (Dysarthria, Apraxia)
  • Stuttering
  • Receptive and Expressive Language (Aphasia, Speech and Language
    Delay)
  • Social communication
  • Voice
  • Swallowing Rehabilitation/Feeding