Vanuatu
 |
| Click on the map to read more about children in Vanuatu. |
| Map by Hobe. |
Children’s Day is a public holiday, set up following a recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the ChildA group of adults in the United Nations who check how well countries are respecting children's rights. Click to read more about it. in their 1991 report on Vanuatu. A committee, with both adult and child members, organise activities. In the past, a committee of adults has chosen the theme – but in the future children may help choose it.
Children’s Day 2008 was themed around violence. Issues mentioned included child protection and child abuse. On the morning of Children’s Day 2008, children aged up to 14 had a march through the streets, carrying banners with anti-violence slogans, including “Stop violence against children,” and “Give a child the chance to express their opinion today”. After the march there were speeches and activities organised by schools, including a dance. Then, after midday, children went home to spend time with their parents for the rest of the day.
Children’s Day originally took place only in the capital of Vanuatu, but it has now been extended to all 6 provinces. Schools, churches, local governments of the provinces and other local organisations all organise activities. Save the Children supports one Children’s Day activity in each province, selecting it from the many requests they receive for support. In 2008, one of the activities supported by Save the Children was a sports day between many different schools.
Parents and carers have been supportive of Children’s Day activities. Many parents came to activities with children. For example, in one province, children and parents from 5 different schools came together for a shared lunch. Some parents give their children presents for Children’s Day – however, Save the Children try to spread the message that it doesn’t matter if a parent can’t afford to buy their child a present, as the real aim of Children’s Day is for parents and children to spend the day together, and work together to reconcile their problems.
Search our site
Please enter a search term to begin your search.