Universal Children’s Day will be observed worldwide on Tuesday, Nov. 20. The day will celebrate children under the theme “Children of Today, Our Keepers Tomorrow.”

This year, the Early Childhood Services Unit requests that the status or plight of children in our country be highlighted via various media. Media agencies are encouraged to engage in programming with children in mind for that day, and to feature their voices prominently where possible. Early childhood centres islandwide are also expected to participate by planning their own activities in groups or individually.

The Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert, is expected to address the nation on that day.

According to Early Childhood Curriculum Officer, Antoninus Thomas, “Universal Children’s Day constitutes an opportune time for reflection by adults on the significance of children in our daily lives, our expectations for, and the treatment of these children now, as well as future repercussions or consequences. It is also a call on behalf of children to assist in changing public perception, attitudes, and the environments they live and socialize in, so that children in turn can reciprocate graciously as our caregivers in our twilight years.”

Universal Children’s Day was established in 1954 by the United Nations and is celebrated on Nov. 20 each year with a view to improving children’s welfare.

The Early Childhood Services Unit wishes to extend a Happy Universal Children’s Day to all children and welcomes the cooperation, commitment, support and participation required to make this day memorable for all children and families of Saint Lucia.