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Emirati Children’s Day: Rights of kids take centre stage

Dubai - This is dictated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in alignment with the country’s Child Rights Law (Wadeema).

Children across the UAE are eagerly waiting to celebrate the Emirati Children’s Day celebrated annually on March 15. The country is marking the occasion on Monday, under the theme of ‘right to play’ to educate members of the community on the importance of play for children.

This is dictated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and in alignment with the country’s Child Rights Law (Wadeema).

Meanwhile, parents feel allocating a specific day for celebrating the Emirati child, also reflects the attention of the leadership for childhood and their relentless efforts to preserve children’s rights and their psychological, social, and educational needs.

Nine-year-old Lamia Tariq Farsi, who is the UAE’s pride as the youngest rhythmic gymnastic champion, says it’s a day when her school gears up to celebrate little ones like her.

The grade 4 student of The International School of Choueifat- Dubai, says, “On this day, my school organises various programmes like art and craft activities, competitions and cultural events. Typically I carry sweets and other traditional Emirati food that my mother prepares, which I would share with my friends. However, since last year due to Covid-19 we have not been able to celebrate the day, the way we usually do. But flag hoisting and National Anthem will definitely happen.”

“In previous years on this day, I visited Al Jalila Foundation and even met children from other schools at their institutions to show my sport of rhythmic gymnastics to the world. I try to motivate everyone by telling my unique story, especially young children to take up to some sort of sporting activity. I want to inspire children to be healthy especially during these Covid times by engaging in such activities which also makes one fit and happy. I am proud to be an Emirati and very passionate about what I pursue.”

The day is a reminder that every child deserves education, nurturing and the best of everything. They are the building blocks of the nation and hence, the future of the nation depends on how well they are brought up.

Maria Mohammed Falaknaz, a Grade 8 student of Gems Wellington International School says, “This commemoration is an opportunity for all of us to re-establish our bonds with our culture and our value systems. The country constantly provides an opportunity to shape a more prosperous future for us on the institutional and individual levels. Every day for me is Emirati Children’s Day but this is also a day which is typically celebrated to remind us of our traditions in which we take immense pride. Our elders also take time out to tell us stories and narrate anecdotes from their childhood days which is a reflection of the times bygone and of our fascinating culture. Our parents and grandparents, share these tales which is a perfect way to induct us into a time and space that is a key way to pass on our heritage.”

Emirati adults who’ve seen the country evolve and times change with unprecedented circumstances reinforce, play is a fundamental right that every child should enjoy, as it is vital to both psychological and physical development.

Hur Almulla, a grade 10 student of Repton School, Dubai says, “This Children’s Day like all others is very important. It’s not just an occasion to celebrate the joy of being an Emirati child but is an occasion to celebrate my country, family and friends. Children and youth have always been given importance in the country and I feel blessed to be a part of this nation that offers us abundant opportunities to learn, develop and grow.”

“This year, though the celebrations will be low key, I along-with a few close friends will celebrate this special day at home in the company of my family. Like every other event or occasion in the country, children’s day is super important and I am hoping that my creative culinary skills through Tres Leches and Highway 311 helps me make a name for my country as it has today in my family business.”

nandini@khaleejtimes.com