Students from various schools gathered at the National Botanical Gardens on Wednesday to celebrate World Children’s Day under the theme, Listen to the Future, with government and UNICEF officials urging them to speak up to ensure their voices are heard on the issues affecting them.
The event featured the unveiling of a mural dedicated to Barbadian children, capturing their diverse hopes and aspirations with the message ‘Keeping the Promise’.
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey, leaning on this year’s theme, encouraged children to claim Barbados and demand the listening ear of their parents.
Addressing the ongoing discussion on the Child Protection Bill, which has faced some criticism, the minister said: “I hope that we can proclaim this legislation and make sure that we protect children in every possible regard.”
In her remarks during the ceremony, Minister of Education Kay McConney noted a recurring request on the mural.
“You see recurring over and over and over, you the children telling us that you want us to value your opinions, you want us to listen to you, you want us to recognise and value your voice. It is, perhaps, as I just skimmed the wall, one of the most popular of the promises that you have asked us to make and that you yourself are making, to do what is right,” she said.
“We are committed to actions that will transform your lives and I want to say also that as we celebrate, let us remember that while our future may be in your hands your present must be in our hearts.”
McConney concluded her remarks with a pledge from the government: “I give you that commitment from our Ministry of Education that even as we rise above all the challenges, you will remain at the centre of the opportunities and our efforts for you in this country.”
Minister Humphrey made reference to a recent symposium done in collaboration with UNICEF, which brought together ministers and allowed children to ask them questions. He said he wanted another one of those exchanges.
“You tell us what it is that you like, you tell us what it is that you do not like, you tell us what it is that you fear, you tell us what it is that you want, because Barbados belongs to you,” he told the students.
UNICEF Representative Jean-Benoit Manhes addressed the issue of violence against children, saying that a single incident “is one act too much, one act too many, and we will fight against that”.
“To the children and young people that are here today, it’s critical that you play a critical role, more meaningful participation in developing policies, programmes, and concrete action in your neighbourhood, your parish, your village, and your country that will impact and influence your life but also ours. Don’t be afraid to take up space and make demands,” he said.
Manhes added that UNICEF’s desire is to create opportunities for children to have their voices heard, and to amplify them.
“We want those voices to resonate and reach leaders with the power to make significant change at a global, regional or national level. We want you to be the leaders of today, of tomorrow. We want to hear you on the climate crisis, migration, your education, your mental health, your safety, your future employment and opportunities, your rights. Tell us what you want.”
Minister of Environment and National Beautification Adrian Forde urged the children to keep their environment safe and clean to preserve their future.
He asked the children to make a promise to plant a tree to add to the 580 000 trees already planted in the One Million Trees initiative.
“I want you to do those simple things like picking up the garbage, putting it in the receptacle, planting trees, and protecting our animals because those things are responsible for protecting the environment, the ozone layer, and food security – because you know trees provide food,” Forde said.
(LG)
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