THE Western Provincial Capital Gizo came alive on Monday as hundreds of children, mostly students, celebrated the annual International Children’s Day.
This year’s event was commemorated under the theme “Investing in our future means investing in our children.”
About ten schools from around Gizo converged on the provincial capital to mark this important and colourful event.
The day-long programme commenced with a parade from the western end of Gizo town.
The parade was led by kindergarten students with high school students at the end of the parade. The parade commenced at around 9am.
Under the escort of the Gizo police, the flow of traffic was temporarily halted and the town came to a standstill as all the children walked through the town much to the fascination of onlookers.
Gizo is normally crowded on Mondays as villagers from nearby islands travel in to do business and other activities.
Members of the public watched as the colourful parade took the centre stage with the little ones chanting and waving.
Students held the banners of their respective schools.
Dressed in their school uniforms, the students provided an entertaining morning for Gizo residents and public.
Many parents and guardians were present to support the programme.
The parade concluded at the MSG Complex where the main programme was held.
The MSG complex could not even cater for all the children and their teachers.
At the MSG Complex, the programme commenced with an opening thought from a representative of the United Church.
It was followed by the singing of the national anthem, provincial anthem and the children’s theme song.
It was a lovely sight as the little ones sung the national and provincial anthems.
Speeches were made by representatives of Gizo Community High School, Gizo Primary School, Education Provider representatives as well as parents and the Western Provincial Government (WPG).
WPG was represented by the Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena who delivered the keynote address.
He said this year’s theme highlighted an important message about investing in the children for the future.
He quoted the former United States President, Late J.F Kennedy that “Children are the living messages we send to a time will not see.”
The PS said, “today we are gathered to commemorate and celebrate with our children.”
He said historically, the United Nations (UN) has set aside November 20 as the International Children’s Day.
“I understand the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development has shifted it forward to today’s date 11th November since the actual date of November 20 clashes with exams and other important academic programs scheduled.
“The important thing is, we have put aside a special day for our children so that we can acknowledge their importance and the role they play in furthering the human race and our continued existence.
“So today, we congregate to celebrate a very special occasion – World Children’s Day.
“This day is dedicated to all of you – the young minds who are the future of the province and the country.”
He said it was a joy to see the bright faces of the children full of curiosity and energy.
PS Toiraena and a children’s rep took the honour of officially slicing the celebration cake much to the excitement of the little ones and all those who witnessed the occasion.
Following a lunch break, the programme resumed with each school taking turn to make their presentations through readings and reciting of poems, rhymes, songs and dances.
There were also competitions, quizzes, dramas and entertainment staged by the children, which got everyone excited and enjoyed their day.
One of the guardians who witnessed the programme Trent Ta’ake said the event is important as it highlights the importance of children to the future of the country.
A Gizo Primary School student Ray Deni said he was excited to be part of the programme and looked forward for another programme next year.
A spokesperson for the organising committee acknowledged all the participating schools for their positive response which made the event a successful one.
With most schools expected to commence their exams this week, organisers decided to mark the event early.
By MOFFAT MAMU
Solomon Star, Gizo
