children at EU house Leicester Peak
Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Tom Vens on Monday celebrated the International Children’s Day in collaboration with the UNICEF boss Hamid El-Bashir Ibrahim and children at the European Union House at Leicester Peak.
Addressing the children, Amb. Tom Vens said the message is one that should guide decision makers every day of the year, all around the world. He said there is no future for any country if children are denied their rights and opportunities to grow up to be healthy, informed, empowered and responsible citizens that can carry our development forward.
“Children need to have access to health and grow up in a secure environment without violence and abuse. They should be able to attend and finish school and later have the opportunities to find jobs that allow them to assure their own livelihoods and those of their future families.”
The EU boss stated that many EU projects in Sierra Leone have focused on improving the lives and chances of children. “A recent €23 million programme, implemented by UNICEF, contributed to improving the health of children and mothers, including through building and rehabilitating three paediatric wards in hospitals and more than 40 other health structures across the country. This was complemented by health projects implemented by civil society organisations and local authorities.”
UNICEF Representative, Dr Hamid El-Bashir Ibrahim added, “Children are not just the future, but also the present, making up around half of the population here in Sierra Leone. “But, despite their numbers, we don’t spend enough time listening to what they have to say, or in addressing their needs. If you can build better childhoods, then the future wellbeing and prosperity of the country can be secured.”
The UNICEF boss said children are considered as the building blocks of a strong nation and they have the capability and the potential to change the nation in positive ways. He said it is, therefore, vital that children grow up in an environment of happiness, care, and compassion so that the child is fully prepared to live as an educated, independent, and empowered individual in the larger society.
Dr Ibrahim averred that these children are responsible citizens of the future: progress and development of a nation lie in their hands. “World Children’s Day offers each and every one of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote, and respect children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children through a collective voice.
Making a statement on behalf of the children Dolcie Keili said many children undergo violence that some are complaining whilst others suffered in silence. She said it must stop and their parents, guardians and teachers must listen to them and they must have the right to speak out.
“Many children suffer domestic violence at home; also we are bullied by teachers and friends, especially the girls. There is always the gender based violence everywhere that is affecting us and this must stop because we have our own rights and we must be able to decide for ourselves.”
She said early marriage, alcohol abuse; drug and political violence are all destroying children in Sierra Leone. Dolcie said they are appealing to their parents, their teachers and friends to allow them grow up to be the leaders of tomorrow.
AT/21/11/17
Wednesday November 22, 2017.