President Ramkalawan hosts gathering on Children’s Day in honour of children with special needs |02 June 2022
President Ramkalawan interacting with his special guests
‘Every child is special in their own way’
To mark Children’s Day yesterday, June 1, President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan hosted a reception at State House for children with special needs.
The children were accompanied by their parents.
Speaking at the event, the President commended the parents for their dedication and patience. Though others may see their situation as difficult, the President underlined that children with special needs bring joy to their parents, especially when they show signs of progression based on their different needs, which encourages the parents to keep going.
“Every child is special in their own way. As parents who are taking care of these children with special needs, you remind society and the world that we cannot do everything by ourselves. It is only when we take the step to help one another that we can move forward. Today, I want to tell all parents with children with special needs that the government will continue to extend its support to all of you. To those who see the potential for your child to develop further, we will pave the way for their personal growth and fulfilment,” said the President.
President Ramkalawan noted that the government is exploring new ways to assist children with special needs particularly with autism and an upcoming project to provide new equipment for the visually impaired and blind in order to help them to progress in their studies.
The reception was animated by local artists Ziggy Adam, Ketty Melanie, Travis Julienne and concluded with a vote of thanks from one of the parents, Nadine Victor.
The children, some of whom attend school and some do not, received a small token each to mark their day followed by interactions and refreshments.
Also present at the ceremony were members of the cabinet of ministers; the principal secretary for Family department, Clive Roucou; the director general Elderly & Disabled division, Rosa Morin; among other distinguished guests.
Children’s Day is celebrated annually on June 1 and this year’s theme chosen by the Family department is ‘Mon fanmir, mon leker’.
PS Roucou stated that the celebration is not only for the children but also for the parents.
He acknowledged that it is not easy for the parents and families with children with special needs.
He further noted that the theme constitutes of the child, the parents and the family.
Children’s Day is a tradition that dates back to 1856 when the Reverend Dr Charles Leonard, pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts, held a special service focused on children. The International Day for Protection of Children is also observed on June 1 and has helped to elevate June 1 as the internationally recognised day to celebrate children. The International Day for Protection of Children became universally established in 1954 to protect children’s rights, end child labour as well as guarantee access to education.
PS Roucou however added that even though yesterday was Children’s Day, our thoughts should also be with those who cannot or do not have the chance to celebrate.
Marla Simeon/Press release from State House
Photos by Thomas Meriton
