The 21st March 2025 marks Red Nose Day. I'm sure many of us are familiar with Comic Relief and may remember purchasing a bright red nose on this day in previous years. However, it is important for us to remember the true purpose of Red Nose Day and why we celebrate it. As defined, Red Nose Day is an ‘annual campaign that raises life-changing funds to help end the cycle of poverty and ensure children are safe, healthy, educated and empowered around the world’; Comic Relief is the charity which organises this campaign.
Each year, Red Nose Day raises crucial funds which help children all over the world and in the UK to gain access to their rights. Every pupil in St Margaret’s is fortunate to receive a comprehensive and tailored education which is free from gender stereotypes. However, this is far from the truth for every girl. Comic Relief aims to end deprivation of education for girls and boys in the UK and around the world. I encourage every pupil to take hold of each opportunity that we are given, with pride. There are so many girls, just like us, living amongst us and further away, that may not have as much as we do therefore it is very important to accept what we are given, make the most of it and be appreciative of it.
Furthermore, Comic Relief have helped over 2.6 million people in the UK who have been gravely affected by the cost of living crisis, and have helped reach homeless people all around the UK by providing assistance such toiletry packs, meals and multi banks which are like food banks but include other goods such as furniture, baby clothes and other items like bedding. It would be impossible to list all of the good that Red Nose Day and Comic Relief does in one article, however, I stress the importance of recognising the privilege that we as pupils have, to be able to receive a brilliant education.
Article 27 - Food, clothing and a safe home: Children have the right to food, clothing and a safe place to live so they can develop in the best possible way. The government should help families and children who cannot afford this.
Article 28 - Access to Education: Every child has the right to an education. Primary education should be free. Secondary and higher education should be available to every child. Children should be encouraged to go to school to the highest level possible. Discipline in schools should respect children’s rights and never use violence.
Article 24 - Health, water, food and environment: Children have the right to the best possible health care, clean water to drink, healthy food and a clean and safe environment to live in. All adults and children should have information about how to stay safe and healthy.
Chinyere, VM
