–as First Lady gives children ‘a day to remember’

GUYANA joined the rest of the world in observing International Day for the Protection of Children yesterday, and First Lady, Madame Deolatchmee Ramotar hosted a fun day for hundreds of children on the lawns of State House.

Mrs. Ramotar’s three-year old charity, the First Lady Foundation, collaborated with the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) to fete the children of Regions 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara) and 4 (Demerara/

Mahaica).

The children enjoyed an array of games including cricket and football and were also treated to a screening of the widely popular children’s film, Kung Fu Panda. The trampoline was a special delight of the children, who left the day with educational materials and tokens from the First Lady.

According to the First Lady, the day’s events were intended to support the fostering of a healthy and fun environment for children, particularly given the recognition that children need to be nurtured to be able to realise their full potential and by extension, contribute meaningfully to the development of their country.

This year’s theme for International Day for the Protection of Children is ‘Focusing on children in emergency situations’, and in her message on the occasion, Mrs. Ramotar stressed her rejection of all forms of abuse against children, and called for such practices to be brought to an end.

“Children are our special responsibility,” she said. “We have an obligation as a society to work towards the eradication of all forms of abuse against children so that they can all enjoy their childhood which is an important stage in the development of all of us.
“By themselves, they are unable to defend against abuse. As such they need special attention and protection. The scars caused by abuse often leave an indelible mark on children and the effects of abuse sometimes endure through to adulthood. It is therefore important that every child is safeguarded from abuse.”
The International Day for the Protection of Children was established in Moscow on November 22, 1949 at the meeting of the Women’s International Democratic Federation after the World Conference for the Well-being of Children proclaimed the day on June 1, 1925 in Geneva. It became universally established in 1954, the aim being to protect children’s rights, end child labour and guarantee access to education.

(By Ravin Singh)