Treasuring children is more than just the provision of basic needs, director of Children’s Development Division Goldie Lusi said.
Mr Lusi was speaking on behalf of the Minister of Women Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) yesterday at the multi-purpose hall during the celebration of the Universal Children’s Day.
“In our celebration today (Tuesday), we have indulged in a theme that is very much ideal for change.
“We all ought to ‘treasure our children’.”
This year’s theme for the Universal Children’s Day is “Treasure Our Children”.
The director said treasuring children is more than just providing of basic necessities.
“I know there are parents, teachers and service providers for children who treat children differently. In our mandates for children, you may have your own interpretation of the theme and its application.
“…..treasuring children is more than just the provision of food and clothing. It is a call that is holistic and collective in nature and approach,” Mr Lusi said.
Universal Children’s Day takes place annually on November 20 according to the international calendar.
In the country, yesterday’s event has attracted hundreds of school children from various Early Childhood Centres (ECEs) and Primary schools in the capital.
Parents, teachers, and senior government officials were also part of the Children’s big day.
In his message to mark the Universal Children’s Day, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “this year, I wish to emphasize the importance of ensuring that the commitments made by the international community to the world’s children are extended to a group of children who are often forgotten or overlooked: those deprived of their liberty.”
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
