CHILDREN: SPRINGS OF JOY AND HOPE

                The United Nations General Assembly had thought of recognizing the rights of children and see forth a code for the well-being of every child without any exception. In view hereof, the assembly declared in 1979 as the celebration of the International Year of the Child, urging all governments of the member-countries of the United Nations to form a framework for advocacy on behalf of children and for enhancing the special needs of children, and to promote recognition of the programs for children for reasons that those are an integral part of economic and social development plans. The International year of the Child would urge different countries in the expansion of their efforts to provide lasting improvements for the well-being of every child with special attention to the most vulnerable and particularly disadvantaged groups and that the principles of equality and non-discrimination should be adopted.

                In so doing, the Philippine Government enacted Republic Act 7610 which provides for the stronger deterrence and special protection to children, focusing with a comprehensive program against child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. In recognition to the rights of the children, the government had declared the children’s month celebration of each year in connection with the International Year of the Child celebration, which this year’s theme is “New Normal Na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!” (No One is Left Behind under the New Normal: Focus on Children’s Rights)

               

Our government undeniably is recognizing every right of all children by giving them the opportunity to enjoy special protection. Is is for the reason that children whose ages are 18 and below were mandated to stay home during the pandemic with the ultimate goal to keep them same from the killer disease as according to health experts, they are the most vulnerable. As embodied in their right, they shall in all circumstances be among the first to receive protection and relief even though they are not allowed to enjoy one of their rights to enjoy full opportunities for play and recreation in all public places.

             

                The child is entitled to receive education which shall be free and compulsory most especially in the elementary stages. As we all believe that it is through education which will promote the child’s general culture and to further develop the child’s abilities and intellect for his/her individual judgement and his/her sense of moral and social responsibility so that they would be mold to become a better individual in the future. For children to enjoy this right, the Department of Education had thought of continually educate them so that their learning process would level up despite the stress and anxieties the printed-out modules for all their learning activities would bring them, however, the guidance of parents was requested so that every child would be able to cope up with their learning activities set by the Department of Education. The purpose of which is to provide them love and understanding and they shall be in the care and under the responsibility of their parents to this effect, so that somehow be accorded with an atmosphere of affection and of moral and material security for a full and harmonious development of their personality as this is one of their rights to enjoy.

                Despite the pandemic, parents and educators of the children are aimed at providing them the opportunities for them to be brought up in a spirit of understanding tolerance, friendship among people, to be at peace with everyone especially to themselves and in full consciousness that their energy and talents should be devoted to their family and to the service of fellowmen.

                The pandemic has created a lot of anxieties to every child as they were barred from enjoying their right especially for play and recreation which are indeed considered as great factors in developing them physically, mentally, morally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially healthy. However, it is the responsibility of the government to provide them special care and attention and they shall be protected against all forms of hazard to their health.

                The children, as we all aware of shall be entitled to grow and develop in health and the best of their interests shall be the paramount consideration. To assure the full promotion of every child to become physically, mentally, morally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially healthy, they are supposed to be accorded or provided with an atmosphere of love and understanding and with a normal environment.

                This is deemed necessary for the acquisition for the full and harmonious development of their personality wherein they would be able their abilities, discover their talents, and to build them to become responsible individuals in the future.               

                 We, for ourselves, parents, educators, authorities, and the public as well should set a code for the well-being of every child, allowing our children to understand their importance and that we should guarantee them all the rights set out for their welfare. Our children are an integral part of economic and social developments for they are the springs of joy and hope for every and the nation as well.

References 

https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/history-child-rights

https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1992/ra_7610_1992.html

Photos retrieved from:

https://m.facebook.com/244088142381199/photos/a.402622743194404/3786884824768162/

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/how-to-keep-kids-active-and-safe-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic.h00-159385890.html

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/01/26/a-rising-share-of-working-parents-in-the-u-s-say-its-been-difficult-to-handle-child-care-during-the-pandemic/

http://theoccupiedtimes.co.uk/children-rights-need-fight/

https://www.heartbeatssoulstains.com/children-are-our-future-ways-for-everyone-to-reach-their-potential/