Portus Blendium & San José Niño Jesús Renew as Child Rights Education Hubs
Cantabrian Schools Recognized for Championing childhood Rights
SANTANDER, Spain (May 5, 2025) – San José Niño Jesús in Reinosa and Portus Blendium in Suances have both received renewed accreditation as centers of excellence in childhood rights education. UNICEF Spain grants this recognition to schools demonstrating a commitment to educating students about their rights.
The Minister of Education, Professional Training and Universities of Cantabria, Sergio Silva, and Isabel Cubría, president of the UNICEF Committee of Cantabria, attended the recognition ceremony, which is valid for two academic years.
Representatives from the schools’ management teams and teaching staff shared their experiences and initiatives in protecting children and adolescents and ensuring their voices are heard. Their presentations highlighted the dedication of both school communities to integrating childhood rights into the curriculum and daily activities.
Silva emphasized the importance of the work being done in schools to protect children and the regional government’s commitment to training educators in prevention, detection, communication, and response strategies related to violence against children.
According to education officials, this recognition underscores the schools’ efforts to cultivate a protective, participatory, and secure environment through shared duty within the school community. This environment is actively fostered with the support of trained professionals from various sectors.
Cubría stated that the childhood rights education program aims to prioritize children and their rights in all aspects of school life, guided by principles of inclusion, equity, solidarity, and quality.
Following the 2024 selection process, Cantabria now boasts three recognized centers.
With the renewed recognition of Portus blendium and San José Niño Jesús, alongside IES Muriedas, more than 1,700 students from infant, primary, and secondary levels attend schools where childhood rights are understood, promoted, and defended. These schools have integrated the Convention on the Rights of the child as the foundation of their educational approach.
Emotional Welfare Coordination Course Completion
The recognition ceremony coincided with the conclusion of an advanced course titled “Welfare Coordination: Protection and Good Treatment of Childhood and Adolescence.” The Ministry of Education’s Technical Unit of Educational equity and Coexistence organized the course.
The course, part of the Silva Department’s Training Plan, aims to strengthen the skills of emotional well-being coordinators.
Designed for teachers with prior basic training in emotional well-being, the course provides tools for preventing, detecting, and responding to instances of violence against children.
Silva acknowledged the 75 participating teachers and the critical role of the Emotional welfare Coordinator in identifying risk factors and preventing harmful behaviors within schools.
Cantabrian Schools Championing Childhood Rights: A Q&A Guide
What’s Happening in Cantabria Regarding Childhood Rights?
Cantabria, Spain, is celebrating advancements in childhood rights education. Several schools are being recognized for their commitment to this important cause.
Which Schools Are Being Recognized?
San José Niño Jesús in Reinosa and Portus Blendium in Suances have received renewed accreditation as centers of excellence in childhood rights education. IES Muriedas was previously recognized, meaning three Cantabrian schools now hold this distinction.
What Does “Accreditation as a Center of Excellence” Mean?
This accreditation, granted by UNICEF Spain, signifies that these schools are actively demonstrating a commitment to educating students about their rights and creating a child-kind environment. Teh UNICEF recognition is valid for two academic years.
Why is this Recognition Important?
The recognition highlights the schools’ dedication to creating a protective, participatory, and secure environment for children, integrating the Convention on the Rights of the Child into their educational approach. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children and their rights in all aspects of school life.
Who Attended the Recognition Ceremony?
The Minister of Education, Professional Training and Universities of Cantabria, Sergio Silva, and Isabel Cubría, the president of the UNICEF Committee of Cantabria, attended the recognition ceremony.
What Does the childhood Rights Education Program Entail?
The program aims to prioritize children and their rights in all aspects of school life, guided by principles of:
Inclusion
Equity
Solidarity
Quality
What Role Does the Government Plan to Play?
The regional government is committed to training educators in strategies related to child protection, including prevention, detection, communication, and response to violence against children.
Were There Any Other Important Events?
Yes, the recognition ceremony coincided with the conclusion of an advanced course titled “Welfare Coordination: Protection and Good Treatment of Childhood and Adolescence.”
What is the Advanced Course on “Welfare Coordination” About?
This course strengthens the skills of emotional well-being coordinators in schools. It provides them with tools to prevent, detect, and respond to instances of violence against children.
Who Organised the “Welfare Coordination” Course?
The Ministry of Education’s Technical Unit of Educational Equity and Coexistence organized it.
Who was the Course Designed For?
The course was designed for teachers with prior basic training in emotional well-being.
How Many Teachers Participated?
75 teachers participated in the advanced course.
What Is the role of an ”Emotional Welfare Coordinator?”
The Emotional Welfare Coordinator plays a critical role in identifying risk factors and preventing harmful behaviors within schools.
summary of Key Facts
Here’s a summary:
| Aspect | Details |
| :—————————- | :———————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Recognized Schools | San José Niño Jesús, portus Blendium, and IES Muriedas |
| Accreditation Source | UNICEF Spain |
| Focus | Childhood rights education |
| Key Principles | Inclusion, Equity, Solidarity, quality |
| Government Commitment | Training educators in child protection strategies and support the recognized schools. |
| Advanced Course Topic | “Welfare Coordination: Protection and Good Treatment of Childhood and Adolescence” |
| Course Focus | Strengthening skills to prevent and respond to instances of violence against children, identify risks |