Children are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow. They are the most promising, potent, and motivating population and can change the future of mankind.
Children are the most vulnerable in the population in many countries. Thus, to spread awareness about improving children’s welfare and to reduce atrocities and abuses against children. World Children’s day is observed every year. Universal Children’s Day is observed on November 20 every year. Although countries across the world celebrate children’s day on different dates, In Nigeria, it is celebrated on May 27 while in India it is celebrated on November 14.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair
broken Men” – Frederick Douglas
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Since 1990, World Children’s Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children’s rights. Mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses and doctors, government leaders and civil society activists, religious and community elders, corporate moguls and media professionals, as well as young people and children themselves, can play an important part in making World Children’s Day relevant for their societies, communities and nations.
“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren
are not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” -Billy Graham
World Children’s Day offers and reminds each of us of the need to advocate, promote, and celebrate children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children. This year, the COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a child rights crisis according to UNICEF. The costs of the pandemic for children are immediate and, if unaddressed, may last a lifetime. As the COVID-19 induced restrictions lead to the compulsory shut down of schools, businesses, loss of jobs for parents, reduced income for some parents, and food scarcity for millions. Given the vulnerability of children in society, all these unfavorable occurrences that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on children worldwide.
It’s time for generations to come together to reimagine the type of world we want to create. Not just on 20 November but always. It is important to know that we all have a role to play in making the world a better place for children. We can start from where we are; our immediate communities, sphere of influence, and network. What will you do?
What Needs To Happen
UNICEF and partners are calling on governments to adopt a Six-point plan to protect our children:
- Ensure all children learn, including by closing the digital divide.
- Guarantee access to health and nutrition services, and make vaccines affordable and available to every child.
- Support and protect the mental health of children and young people and bring an end to abuse, gender-based violence, and neglect in childhood.
- Increase access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene and address environmental degradation and climate change.
- Reverse the rise in child poverty and ensure an inclusive recovery for all.
- Redouble efforts to protect and support children and their families living through conflict, disaster, and displacement.
The above Six-point plan of UNICEF is a call to action and we can all play our part by choosing one or more of the above Six points and taking action to improve the situation starting from our immediate environment, reaching out, advocating, or partnering with organizations like Kids & Teens For Christ to make a difference.
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the
everyday lives of children” – Nelson Mandela.
Each child is unique in their own way
Each one is a miracle a blessing and a star
The light they ignite can be seen from afar
So today let us celebrate our wonderful treasures
Whom we love unconditionally always and forever
Children carry the hopes of our brighter tomorrow
And the dreams of our happy future
May the innocence in their smiles
And the purity of their hearts
Stay forever unfaded
The most precious thing in this world
Is a smile on the face of a child
Happy children’s day to every child in the world!
“Children are the World’s most valuable resource and its best hope
for the future” – John F. Kennedy
