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EduNations Celebrates International Children’s Day 2024

Published Wed, Nov 27, 2024
Written by Dana Kaltenberger

 

EduNations, along with other notable organizations, proudly joined the global community in celebrating International Children’s Day on November 20, 2024. This important day is dedicated to raising awareness of children’s rights and advocating for their well-being, with a special focus this year on creating peaceful and secure environments for every child.

Background of International Children’s Day

The history of this celebration dates back to November 20, 1959, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Exactly 30 years later, on November 20, 1989, the UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a comprehensive legal framework aimed at protecting children's social, civil, economic, health, cultural, and political rights. Since then, International Children’s Day has been celebrated annually by UN member states, including Sierra Leone.

Theme for 2024: Every Child, Everywhere, Has the Right to Live in a Peaceful World

This year’s theme emphasizes the urgent need to foster peaceful and secure environments for all children, free from violence, discrimination, and inequality. It serves as a reminder to governments, civil society, and individuals to reflect on their roles in ensuring that children grow up in a world where their rights are fully upheld, their potential is nurtured, and they can thrive in safe communities unhampered by war, abuses, or poverty.

Objectives of the Celebration

The celebration's primary goal is to raise awareness of children's rights to peace, safety, and security while promoting a culture of non-violence and protection for children in Sierra Leone. Specifically, this year's objectives included:

  1. Encouraging the government and stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the protection, inclusion, and well-being of children.
  2. Raising awareness of the Child Rights Act and its importance in fostering a peaceful, safe environment for every child.

Key Activities

The event featured a variety of engaging activities designed to inspire both children and adults to reflect on this year's theme. Among the highlights were:

  • Presentations by Children and Stakeholders: Several children, including EduNations students, shared their insights on the importance of peace and security.
  • Drama and Role Plays: Children used creative performances to express their perspectives on the significance of a peaceful world.
  • Drawing Competition: Students showcased their artistic talents while interpreting the event’s theme visually.
  • Radio Discussion Show: This interactive platform allowed children to discuss the challenges they face and emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote a peaceful environment.

Participating Organizations

The event saw the participation of several organizations dedicated to child welfare and community development, including:

  • EduNations Inc. Sierra Leone
  • National Commission for Children’s Sierra Leone
  • Village Community Development Program
  • Rainbow Initiative
  • Goal Sierra Leone
  • Students from five schools in and around Makeni city

Child Day 1.jpeg Child Day 7.jpeg  Child Day 3.jpeg Child Day 6.jpeg

Success Stories from EduNations

EduNations students stood out during the celebrations, achieving remarkable success across various competitions:

  1. Presentation on the Theme: Juliana F. Kargbo and Aminata A. Thullah, both Junior Secondary School students from Mapainda JSS (7-9), delivered an outstanding presentation on the theme “Every Child, Everywhere Has the Right to Live in a Peaceful World” and won first place.

  2. Drawing Competition (Primary Category): John A. Kanu, a Prep 5 student, won first place for his interpretation of the theme in the drawing competition.

  3. Drawing Competition (Secondary School Category): Timothy Kargbo took third place in the secondary school category.

  4. Radio Talk Show: Esther Kabia, a Grade 9 student, represented EduNations as one of the panelists during the radio talk show. Kadiatu Conteh, an EduNations social worker, also appeared as a guest on the show.

EduNations continues to celebrate the achievements of its students and their commitment to promoting peace and security for children across Sierra Leone. Their success during International Children’s Day 2024 serves as a testament to the organization’s dedication to nurturing young leaders who can inspire change in their communities and beyond.

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