BY STAFF FREPORTER
“Like every child, I want to feel safe in all the places that I live my life – at home, at school, online and in the community. On behalf of children everywhere, we demand that governments work to ban all forms of violence against children, without any excuses.” It was a Brazilian youth activist Thiago who stated that aiming to draw the attention of global actors to show their genuine commitment and support to address violence in all settings and the protection of children’s rights.
True, children have the right to live in a peaceful and safe environment and lead a decent life as “children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” However to help them realize their full potential for their future responsibility, and make them responsible citizens, bringing them with the right knowledge, skills, moral values, ethical behavior and mindset is prime.
In this regard, the community at all levels, especially parents and teachers, are duty-bound in cultivating children with the core moral and ethical values of the society, mentoring and producing respectful, caring and responsible citizens.
Concurrently, governments and policy makers should work arduously in supporting children by devising child friendly programs and strategies; and executing activities that would protect and guarantee the rights of children, ultimately to build a good society and a prosperous nation.
Bearing this in mind, countries are working aggressively to shape the future of their young people. By setting goals to address the challenges of children and betterment their future, they are working committedly though the outcome in many countries is minimal.
As part of this effort, every year, November 20, 2022 the International Children’s Day was marked globally to raise the voices of children on the issues that matter their life and wellbeing most, protect their rights, promote international togetherness and awareness among children by calling for adults to create a better future for children.
Last Sunday, the day was observed with numerous activities. Ethiopia also marked the day at various programs held in Mizan Aman Town, South West Ethiopia, with a theme “Comfortable and peaceful Ethiopia for all children.”
In her message with regard to the Day, Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) said that all of us should have to lay a strong foundation for children of today and leaders of tomorrow to grow peacefully secured from any form of natural and man-made threats and in an environment where they grow up equipped with the required knowledge, ethics and love in a manner their rights, security and safety are respected, the Ministry reported.
“For this to happen, I urge parents, religious institutions, elderly people, governmental and non-governmental organizations those operating on children as well as the community at large to give due emphasis for children’s issues; and work in collaboration to lessen the burden of children,” she said Handing over in-kind supports worth 1.5 million Birr to State’s Women, Children and Youth Affairs Bureau gained through coordinating various entities with the aim to address the challenges of those children who are in more demanding conditions, the Minister extended her heart felt gratitude for all parties for their assistance.
National Child Parliament Secretary and Deputy Speaker of State’s Child Parliament Sosina Zeleke on her part said that children, more than anything else, need to have a peaceful and comfortable country. Due to this, everyone should exert utmost effort and work jointly to build a child-friendly and peaceful country. She also urged all to work in responsible manner to build a peaceful country.
President of the Ethiopian Patriots National Association Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin on his part shared his life experience to participants. He said that tomorrow’s leaders should learn their country’s culture and history comprehendingly. They have to attend their studies properly, possess knowledge and good manners and should develop a special love and respect for their country.
At the program, including children, federal and states’ high government officials, representatives from MP’s health, social development, culture and sport standing committees, children parliamentarians, Ethiopia’s Patriots National Associations, women’s organizations, international institutions took part.
The Ethiopian Herald November 22/2022
