As Dominica joins the rest of the world to observe International Children’s Day today, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Blue & Green Economy Lakeyia Joseph called on parents to ensure that children are given maximum attention.
“I am specifically speaking to parents who do not pay keen attention to their children,” she said. “Parents, ensure that you give your children maximum attention because for one second that you lay your eyes off your children might just be that one second where they either get themselves in trouble or someone ends up, you know what I mean.”
She also advised parents that they should not leave their children to be raised by the internet.
“Raise your children right,” Joseph advised. “Take them to church, ensure that you are involved in every aspect of their lives, and protect your children at all cost.”
She continued, “Also ensure that they do not go astray and ensure that whatever you do, you do it so that nobody will harm your children.”
Furthermore, Joseph said she hopes that children understand that Children’s Day is recognized once a year.
However, she pointed out that every day should be Children’s Day and children should be celebrated every day. “But our children should understand that they are the present and the future of this nation and we need to take our role as children very seriously.”
Various schools in Dominica have organized activities to mark the occasion of International Children’s Day.
The event is celebrated annually on November 20.
The goal of Children’s Day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children’s rights, and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children.
Initially launched in 1954, Universal Children’s Day has seen some milestone events in the field of child welfare, marking the anniversary of the dates when the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and Convention of Children’s Rights. The convention sets out a number of children’s rights such as the rights to be protected from violence and discrimination and the rights to life, health, and education.
This year International Children’s Day is celebrated under the theme: “For Every Child, Every Right”.
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