Children prove their ability to change the world during Children’s Day Celebration

Children’s rights and existence have always been a fundamental issue in the country, that being said, the county acknowledges children by celebrating national Children’s Day, every first Saturday of November.

The celebration was aligned with this year’s theme of “for every child, every right” as a reminder of the children’s rights intrenched in the constitution and raising awareness about the responsibilities that goes together with their rights.

This year’s celebration was held at Seokodibeng community hall in the Fetakgomo Tubatse municipality where more than 200 children from the various municipalities attended with MEC for Social Development.

Speaking on behalf of the Premier, MEC for Social Development Ms Nandi Ndalane emphasized on comprehensive sexual education to empower children at an early age to make important choices for a brighter future.

“We need to empower children to rise against the odds, promote and protect children’s rights by raising awareness campaigns that addresses the root cause of substance abuse caused by poverty and peer pressure. Said the MEC

The day was used to empower children’s leadership ability as future leaders and activists, they were given a platform to run the programme and render speeches on mental health, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse.

The presentation made by these future leaders is testament that they understand the societal ills, and are prepared to tackle them using platforms such as Children’s Day celebrations and debates on various platforms.

The provincial government in partnership with Old Mutual started the day by visiting Mecklenburg hospital where mothers who delivered babies where gifted with starter pack hampers for 40 newly born babies.

Speaking on behalf of Old Mutaual the chairperson Lintle Sekhosana said the private partnership is essential as they give back to the community in many ways.

“Children’s Day means awareness to financial literacy to kids in the ealy stages of their lives and this is why we are here. They need to learn to account for money spent and teaching them about investment.

Giving away the 40 maternity starter packs to the value of R20 000 teaches children to have babies only when they are financially stable because they include only the essentials to last a month for both a mother and the baby.” said Sekhosana

By: Emmaculate Cindi