Save the Children International with support from IHS Towers have organised several activities, refreshments and entertainments for children, to commemorate World Children’s Day in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital on Friday.
Miss Ayeminishi Neil’s, the SCI Gender Equality Coordinator Yobe state, said children were special not only to SCI as an organisation, but to everyone.
“We have outlined different activities such as spelling bees, debates on importance of Girl-Child Education, cultural activities, which are meant to blend cultural and educational values together, to remind our children who we are, where we are coming from, and the importance of where we are going.”, she explained.
In his remarks, Mr. Cleobas James, the SCI Education Coordinator, Yobe state, said the event was organised to provide succour to the children.
“We also wish to let the children understand that they are cared for, to make them understand that the adults they admire as role models, were once children like them.
“More over, we want to make the children understand that they can achieve their dreams if they work hard, persevere and endure.”, James said.
Also speaking, Miss Rachel Ujah, the EU Mental and Health Psychosocial Support Officer, Yobe state, said another aim for the celebration of the Day was for the children to be conscious of their welfare and rights.
Such rights according to her, include right to life, right to survive, right to education and right to be protected.
“If they understand their rights very well, they can advocate for the rights themselves. So we are here to create awareness amongst children about their welfare.”, Ujah said.
Ujah also explained that, the children’s rights advocated for, were universal and context-based, saying “We are trying not to go out of cultural and traditional context of the children.”
