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.