CHILDREN are precious gifts sent from heaven. Children are blessings. Children are special. How are we taking care of these children?
Children are defined as any person below 18 years of age, or a person above 18 years old but incapable of taking care of himself/herself because of certain circumstances.
There are so many issues and concerns about the children today. Just recently, we heard of children being molested and killed. There are also children who try to harm themselves, some even die because of suicide.
There are many children in the streets, begging for money or food. Some are into child prostitution, child trafficking and child labor. Many young children become teen moms and dads. They abandoned and neglected their children. There are some who sniff rugby in order to forget hunger. Most of these children experienced poverty.
There are also children who are being abused – physically, emotionally and sexually. The sad reality is that their own families hurt them.
Children were born with rights. Child abuse is a violation of the rights of the child.
Last week, the staff of Kalipay Negrense Foundation Inc. attended a seminar workshop by Consuelo Foundation on children’s rights.
Here are some inputs of what we have learned about the rights of the child:
The children’s rights are categorized into four – survival, development, protection and participation.
Right to survival
• The right to be born and have a name and nationality
• The right to be free
• The right to having a loving and caring family
• The right to have adequate food and shelter
• The right to a healthy and active body
Right to development
• The right to have a good education
• The right to develop his or her own talents and skills
• The right to learn his/her values and culture
• The right to have time for play and leisure
Right to protection
• The right to be protected against violence, including those resulting from conflict, war and calamities
• The right to live in a safe and peaceful environment
• The right to be protected and helped by the government
Right to participation
• The right to participate in decision making processes on matters that affect him or her
• The right to express his or her own opinion
• The right to create youth organizations
• The right to participate in peaceful assemblies or gatherings
We should also remember that every child has a corresponding responsibility to every right.
No child should be abused. We can prevent child abuse – parents and other adults should be educated about the rights of the child. Children should be told not to trust strangers and to always ask permission whenever they need to go out of the home. Children should avoid being alone and to avoid dangerous places and situations. If abuse happens, it should be reported.
Parents should support the child and accompany them when they report their experience to the health worker, social worker, police or lawyer.
It is sad that some adults do not believe in them, especially if a close relative did the abuse. But remember, children do not lie. It is also important to make them understand that it is not their fault and it is okay to tell and ask for help.
Adults should be aware and getvinvolved. Let’s save a child today!
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Happy birthday to my father today!