Why do we celebrate children’s day?

Children’s day is a special day for all children. May 27 every year is traditionally Nigeria children’s holiday where children are granted holiday as part of government’s desire of promoting social well being in the country. Nigeria has further exposed the children to a better life where they have the opportunity of seeing the governor of their stat live or his representative among other state officials to motivate and charge them to be godly as an upcoming asset of the nation. Children’s day is a day that children all over the world celebrate as their day.  

 

 

The celebration is held on different days in several countries. In Nigeria, it is celebrated on 27^th my, annually. Children are said to be gifts from God. It doesn’t matter the sex and physical state or condition of the child. These children are the future of many generations. Children’s Day is celebrated in an adorable fashion, all over the country. This is the day when children are showed with a lot of love, gifts and pampering. Children’s Day is observed in schools, where the teachers put up programmers’ and entertaining performances for the children. They are showered with gifts, consisting of eatables, books and cards.

In Indian children’s Day always celebrated in India on November 20, the day World Children’s Day is celebrated by the United Nations. Children are the future of the country and the foundation of a society, and hence, everyone’s well-being should be taken care of. May 27 was set aside as a holiday for children in Nigeria in 1964. The day draws attention and brings to the fore awareness on problems faced by children.

 President Muhammad Buhari spoke about the government’s determination to ensure schools remain open and that they would no longer be interrupted by criminals and bandits. In a similar manner, the Lagos governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment for children. 

Nigeria’s future depends largely on the well being of its children and young people. The more a child’s  well being is ensure through developing appropriate support systems, the more confident Nigeria can be for its future generations. A child who grows up in a supportive and secure environment is more likely to be able to cope well as an adult, to advance their standard of living, and to look after the older generation.

On every Children’s Day, teachers organize various events such as competitions, music and dance performances to celebrate the day.

 

 

What right do children’s have?

According to the constitution of Nigeria, the rights of children include:

·        Right to be protected from any hazardous employment

·        Right to early childhood care and education

·        Right to be protected from abuse

·        Right to be protected from the economic necessity to enter occupations unsuited to their age or strength

 

The day is celebrated with enjoyment in schools and children’s institutions. Toys, sweets, and gifts are given to children, and an attempt to make it special for them is well taken care of. But, as an individual’s, we must also look at the bigger picture. Is every child in the country able to avail his fundamental right to education, health, and family? Are they free from child abuse? Has the menace of child labor been completely abolished? If not, the least we can do is spread awareness for the parents and ask to give them an environment where they can thrive.

 

History of children’s Day 

Children’s Day was first celebrated worldwide in October 1955, under the sponsorship of international union for Child Welfare in Geneva. The idea of a Universal Children’s Day was mooted by Rubab Mansur grade 8 and adopted by United Nations General Assembly in 1954.

Children are innocent; children bring a smile to one’s face. One of the most treasured possessions on earth; children are loved by one and all. Thus, Children’s Day is celebrated to commemorate the healthy growth and happiness of children. 

In Nigeria, the 27^th of May is set aside to celebrate children; on this every year, children in Nigeria are granted a holiday as part of the government’s plan of promoting civilization in the country to create recognition of the welfare and rights of the children,  and declared the day as international Children’s and youth Day. 

Everybody is aware that children’s day is a special day for all kids. On this day every kid is given special treatment and also they get a break from their studies to have some fun with their friends. But there are some aspects behind the celebration of children’s day which many people don’t even know. Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow.

 

 

There are many things that can be done in children’s day.

§  Spent time with the kids in NGOs and narrate them your childhood stories

§  Provide books and stationery to kids who don’t have to money to buy such things

§  Visit orphanage for children and give them clothes

§  Share food and common medicines with poor kids

 

As we celebrate Children’s Day we should drop every unacceptable African belief or character that could promote social vices. Let caution African parental concept where sharing of intimacy or rubbing of minds on issues is termed or regarded as disrespect to the elders as exemplified. 

Nigeria’s future depends largely on the well being of its children and young people. The more a child’s well being is ensured through developing appropriate support systems. The more confident Nigeria can be for its future generations. A child who grows up in a supportive and secure environment is more likely to be able cope well as an adult, to advance their standard of living, and to look after the older generation. There is an interesting practice in some states of Nigeria. Government officials and media houses honor selected children with leadership opportunities. TV and radio stations feature child broadcasters, giving them opportunities to other anchor programmers’.