World Children's Day
Every child deserves,
· Happiness
· A solid education
· Clean water
· To be valued and accepted
· To live free from abuse, exploitation, and exclusion
· A safe, stable, and loving home
· To be heard
Today is World Children’s Day.
On this day, I honor all children, especially those who may be struggling. No child deserves to suffer.
This Year’s theme is “For every child, every right.” What better way to celebrate the day than spotlighting issues that matter to children?
Issues that matter to children
Dear World,
“I want you to love and care for each other.”
“Don’t hate others. We are all human beings.”
“Let me be a kid.”
“Fight hunger.”
“Protect and take care of us. We are the future.”
My message
To all our wonderful children of the world,
I see you, I hear you.
Today is your day. Stand tall and know that you matter. Make an impact on our world by using your voice on issues that matter to you. You are our future…a good one. Remember, no matter what, stay hopeful and continue to smile.
What is World Children’s Day?
In 1954, World Children’s Day was created as Universal Children’s Day to unite people internationally, promote awareness worldwide, and advance children’s welfare.
Declarations adopted
On November 20, 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It was also the day in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Organizations making an impact
People and organizations are making a massive difference.
1. UNICEF- A part of the UN, UNICEF is one of the most prominent children’s organizations. UNICEF works in almost 200 countries and territories. It focuses on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children.
2. International Literacy Association – Works to make literacy available to all children worldwide.
3. Children’s International – An organization that fights to end poverty by building healthy environments and empowering children.
4. Association for Childhood Educational International – Fights to provide education for children worldwide.
5. NAEYC - This professional membership organization promotes high-quality early learning.
6. United Way – One of America’s favorite charities, United Way works to improve education, health, and finance for low-income families.
7. Make-a-Wish Foundation – Brings happiness to sick children by granting wishes, thereby improving a child’s emotional well-being. “90% of medical providers said a wish experience helps a child overcome feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.” (www.wish.org)
What can we do?
What can we do today to improve a child's life? It’s a good question and an urgent one. It could be as simple as putting a smile on a child’s face by treating them respectfully and perhaps volunteering a few hours of your time.
Children may be small in stature, but they matter.
Children do make a difference in a mother’s eyes.
Recently, I met a mother who has gone through so much. Music helps her, she shares. She pulled out her phone to show me her three and 18-month-old, and I could see her joy.
Happy World Children’s Day!
Thanks for reading,
Elvira