By Salawati Haji Yahya –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 19 NOV – World Children’s Day is an opportunity for all to fight for children’s rights such as safety, education, health, protection and play, while raising awareness of the challenges faced by children around us and also all over the world.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Honorable Dato Seri Setia Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad shared the matter in today’s message, in conjunction with World Children’s Day 2024.
This year’s World Children’s Day celebration is the 18th celebration in Brunei Darussalam with a theme Every Child Has Rights.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) emphasizes the imperative to ensure the best interests of children in all decisions affecting them, protect them from abuse and exploitation and promote their participation in the affairs of society.
The highlight of the 18th International Children’s Day celebration is Voices of Children: Workshop titled Empowering Children to Participate: Children’s Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will be held on November 25.
This event, among other things, aims to educate school students aged 17 and under including children with disabilities about their rights, the SDGs, inspire empathy, encourage advocacy and action, foster collaboration and creativity and celebrate success to drive meaningful change.
Efforts to protect children’s rights
Yang Berhormat Dato in his message, explained that one of the national efforts in protecting children’s rights is through the Child Welfare Action Plan under the National Council of Social Issues (MKIS).
This action plan outlines the strategies and steps required to achieve the goal to ensure that the well-being and welfare of children continue to be cared for with the cooperation and integrated commitment of all agencies that are interested through an approach entire nation from the government, non-government and grassroots communities, through strengthening their respective families.
Among the most important is the Child Care Committee (KPK) from various enforcement agencies to discuss cases of children who need immediate protection.
The Action Team for Child Protection (ATOCP) has jurisdiction to develop and identify child protection plans for child cases that have been discussed in the Child Protection Committee.
Continuous effort
The Department of Community Development (JAPEM), he said, also increased efforts in strengthening standard operating procedures (SOP) by improving the Guidelines for Child Care Centers so that the level of quality child care and child safety remains guaranteed.
In addition, continuous efforts are also implemented to improve capacity building and support for child care enforcement agency workers.
This includes various courses involving social work officers, medical social workers and community development officers.
Among the courses held is the SSI course in collaboration Singapore National Council of Social Service (NCSS), where officers are trained in child safety planning and practice.
Achievements achieved
In terms of achievements, he said the performance of children and young people in this country is also very proud in many aspects such as playing and sports.
This year alone, the youngsters have won multiple medals at several international competitions such as the 2024 Little Warriors Invitational Judo Competition, the 9th World Junior Wusyu Championship and the 21st SUKMA Competition.
In addition, the country is also proud of the appearance of two athletes aged 16 and 17, at the Paris Olympics this year.
Education and awareness programs
Among the programs that have been implemented and related to the theme of World Children’s Day this year is the Program Boot camp by the Department of Special Education for students with special needs.
Among other things, this program aims to educate students about entrepreneurship and innovation and give them the opportunity to show their abilities and creativity in producing products as well as foster entrepreneurial thinking so that students can be independent in their jobs.
JAPEM also holds many awareness talks through the GINIS Program to schools that aim to educate children about their rights and how to protect themselves from potential harm.
Meanwhile, the Department of Schools also runs the Hybrid School Program which aims to improve the learning status and students’ access to education for two intensive schools in Seria, namely DMS Sukang Primary School and Melilas Primary School.
Yang Berhormat Dato also shared that children in this country are also exposed to various training and participation in self-development, both at home and abroad.
Last August, several students including disabled children had the opportunity to participate The 8th ASEAN Children’s Forum 2024a platform for ASEAN children to share views and ideas on current issues.
Let us also not forget about the challenges faced by our brothers in Palestine, where the ongoing conflict has adversely affected the lives of countless children, denying them many rights that should be protected and protected,” said Yang Berhormat Dato.
We can extend help to Palestinian children and help protect their rights by donating to the Palestinian Humanitarian Fund in Gaza 2023 which has been extended until April 18, 2025.
With prayers and a call for the whole community to care and love our children, I am happy to wish ‘Happy World Children’s Day’ to all the children in Brunei Darussalam.”