The Just Play Grassroot Programme in two islands celebrated the International Children’s Day with over 300 children in Tongatapu and Ha’apai islands. This year we focus on EQUALITY AND INCLUSION FOR EVERY CHILD.
Ha’apai island manage to gathered 177 from 5 Primary schools to the Lea’aetohi field with support in advocating end violence with Women and Children Crisis Centre.
However, in the main island Tongatapu, the team manage to bring 9 communities with special Guests from the Ofa Tui Mo Amanaki Centre (Red Cross). Tiulipe Peleketi the Principal of the Special Centre presented with few of the Special Needs children with hope of breaking barriers and advocate inclusion to all sports in Tonga.
Talei Cama the Social Policy Specialist/Policy Evidence and Social Protection Team together with Shaneel Sharma from UNICEF Pacific were also there to witnessed the program that was held in the main island. While Women and Children Crisis Centre joined the Ha’apai team in celebrating the International Day for Children.
Talei Cama from the UNICEF, shared a word of encouragement for the children and emphasizing the importance of what Children’s Day is all about. She praises the support from adults, parents and volunteers.
“I’m happy to see adults here who are celebrating with you and support you children to realize your rights. Adults work together to ensure that you have the right to be helped and to be protected from violence and what we are doing today is your right to play and I’m sure all of you enjoy that”, Cama explained.
“Children’s day is a day that reminds you as children that you have the right to do sort of things. Today we are here to be part of this celebration which we are celebrating equality and being inclusive and all of us to be part of this fun games”, she added.
She also emphasizes the idea of “close collaboration with the program in promoting the right of children to play with Health and WASH component.”
‘Ofa Tui moe ‘Amanaki Coordinator, Tiulipe Peleketi said: “I want to thank this program for supporting special children and including them today. Since the volcanic eruption and the covid-19 we lose track and we do not have proper venue to gather with our children. Even though they won’t be at the field but inviting them here makes them feel like that they are included and not left behind”.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 started as the same day as Children’s Day. While children are celebrating World Children’s Day, they had different flags of countries held high showing their love and support for the Women’s World Cup 2023.
Thanks to the Government of Australia and New Zealand for their ongoing support in ensuring that children have a space to play and empower girls and women in the Pacific. UNICEF Pacific, UEFA foundation for children and Football Australia for your willingness to walk with us in creating opportunities for our children to play in a safe environment.
