CHILDREN'S DAY: SAME JUNE, BUT NOT JUNE 1ST?

More Than Just International Children's Day

Certainly, all of us know June as the month with International Children's Day on June 1st every year. However, few people know that in June, there is not only this appreciation day but also another very important and meaningful day for children.

Let the Bear family bring you interesting and useful knowledge on this special occasion, so that we can have more perspectives!

The Harsh Reality Some Children Face

Girls and women in Malawi on the long haul back home from the water hole. Photograph: Helen H Richardson/Denver Post/Getty Images

Childhood is when a child is loved, carefree, and allowed to dream. But, did you know? There are still children out there who have never been to school, some are injured from accidents at work or due to overwork, and this even affects their mental health for life.

Without access to education or training in skills suitable for their abilities, and suffering from poor health, these children grow up without opportunities, unable to secure decent jobs, and ultimately lose their dreams. This issue is happening worldwide, with up to 160 million child laborers.

So, who will stand up to protect them?

Why Preventing Child Labor Matters

Because children are not aware of their rights, preventing child labor not only ensures their physical health but also their mental well-being, protecting them from societal problems and negative influences. It gives them time to play with friends and have an innocent and pure childhood. Many studies show that children who have a warm, loving, and safe childhood develop better personalities and study better.

Girls' Education | UNICEF

Moreover, it concerns "social mobility." We shouldn't only talk about heavy labor; even seemingly lighter tasks like selling lottery tickets and begging are issues that need addressing. Children from poor families are already unlucky, and working to help their families is inevitable, but if the family sees it as the child's main job, it wastes time and energy that should be spent on education.

In the long run, focusing on education will give them a better future and job opportunities. As the saying goes, "Bend the tree while it is young, teach the child while it is naive," showing that children can master languages that adults take years to learn, and they are brave, willing to learn, think, and create. Every genius was once a child. Innocent, creative, and with great learning ability, well-educated children are the strongest internal force a nation can have.

World Day Against Child Labor - June 12

Recognizing the importance, the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) was officially recognized by the United Nations on June 12, 2002. The World Day Against Child Labour is organized to promote awareness and action to prevent and eliminate the worst forms of child labor worldwide. All children have the right to health, education, and protection, and every society has a role in expanding their life opportunities.

Our Collective Responsibility

Understanding children's rights and the struggles they face worldwide, lacking everyday conditions, and gradually, "the seedlings" being subjected to imposition and oppression by adults, we need to take action. The work of protecting and enhancing children's rights in the labor environment is not only the responsibility of an individual or an organization, but requires the combination and support from the global community - it is the voice of influential teenagers today.

Therefore, on June 12, 2024, the Voice Of Us project would like to honor the children who have contributed to society today, while we hope to empathize and believe that every encouragement and contribution from us will impact the world tomorrow.

Let's fight against the forces hiding behind the image of children to build a new hope - a hope from childhood, freedom, and happiness for young people worldwide, ensuring a bright future for children!

#Voiceofus #UVoice