The Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment for Merged Districts joined hands with UNICEF to host a special celebration in Tehsil Landi Kotal ahead of Universal Children's Day. The event specifically engaged children from the Christian community in various activities designed to promote inclusion and children's rights.
Promoting Inclusion Through Celebration
Organized before the global observance on November 20, the program brought together students, youth, families, and even street children for a day of meaningful interaction. The initiative was carefully designed to foster inclusion, particularly among minority groups in District Khyber, while simultaneously raising awareness about child protection and children's fundamental rights.
The event featured open-space activities including art workshops, theatre performances, sports competitions, and recreational games. Participants also benefited from Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sessions and engaged in quiz competitions that educated them about their rights and responsibilities.
Global Theme Meets Local Action
This year's global theme, "My Day, My Rights," emphasized the importance of listening to children and ensuring their participation in decisions that affect their lives. The event in Landi Kotal perfectly embodied this theme by creating platforms where children's voices could be heard and valued.
UNICEF supported the initiative by distributing sports kits, art materials, and stationery gifts to all participating children, ensuring they had the necessary resources to fully engage in the day's activities. The materials provided will continue to benefit the children in their educational and recreational pursuits long after the event concluded.
Historical Significance and Community Response
Universal Children's Day has a rich history, having been established by the United Nations in 1954. The day highlights international togetherness and children's welfare, commemorating two significant milestones: the adoption of the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Community members expressed deep appreciation to the department and UNICEF for prioritizing minority children and creating safe, engaging spaces for them. The event successfully demonstrated how global child rights principles can be implemented at the local level, particularly in areas with significant minority populations.
The collaboration between the government department and international organization sets a positive precedent for future initiatives aimed at protecting children's rights and promoting social inclusion across Khyber District and beyond.
