National Child Day 2014

The Community Action Committee for Southwestern Newfoundland Family Resource Program recently celebrated National Child Day at local Family Resource Centres throughout the region. Children and families learned more about the importance of National Child Day while enjoying themed activities and crafts as well as some special treats and refreshments.

National Child Day is celebrated on November 20^th each year. National Child Day has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations’ adoption of two documents centred on children’s rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child (November 20, 1959); and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (November 20, 1989).

2014 marks the 25^th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

This year’s theme is “A Community Fit for Children”. Bernice Hancock, Program Director for the Community Action Committee notes that “It is important for our communities to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. Community commitment includes the opportunity for children and youth to be heard, be provided with their basic needs, be protected from harm and be given every opportunity to reach their full potential. Celebrating National Child Day is about recognizing our children’s rights as active participants in their own lives and in our communities.”

For more information on National Child Day you can visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at www.publichealth.gc.ca/nationalchildday . For more information about the programs offered by the Community Action Committee for Southwestern Newfoundland Family Resource Program call 643-5399 or contact your local Family Resource Centre.