A day for the world’s children

By Ioana Tupa'i 23 November 2017, 12:00AM

Children are gifts from God.   

Parents are seen as the protectors of children in this world. Yet some children are no longer safe with their own parents and within their own homes. 

These words were echoed by the Samoa Victim Support Group president, Siliniu Lina Chang, as children at the Campus of Hope at Tuanaimato joined other children around the world to celebrate World Children’s Day on Monday. 

Speaking during the celebration, Ms. Chang said: “These children are special to the hearts of those who are tending to help these children go through hardships they have faced.”      

At the celebration, children formed a circle and while holding hands, they prayed for all those who needed help and also for themselves.   

Junior Samoa Victim Support Group representative, Gordon Lemisio said: “Celebrating World Children’s Day means a lot to these children because it reminds them that they are important and it helps them move on with their own lives.”

Celebrating World Children Day reminds these children that they do have a purpose in life.

“I first entered the Campus of Hope compound here in Tuanaimato when I was only nine years old. It was very hard for me to move on but this place has made me feel special. It shows me that I do have a purpose in life,” said a 17-year-old girl.

“In the eight years that I have stayed here at the Campus of Hope, I have never felt lonely because I do have sisters and brothers here with whom we have shared tears and laughter.”

“I love studying English, Samoan and Maths but I want to become a lawyer so that I can be a good lawyer and represent children through their cases in the future,” she added.

A 14-year-old girl said: “Today I am so blessed to have brothers and sisters, even though we all come from different backgrounds. We are all cared and loved by people who do understand and value us as their own children.

“Please love us children and look after us because our lives depend on you.”

The United Nations Universal World Children’s Day was established in 1954. 

It is celebrated on November 20th each year to promote international togetherness and awareness

among children worldwide, and to improve children’s welfare.

By Ioana Tupa'i 23 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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