FL attends opening of the children’s festival to mark World Children's Day

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has attended the opening of the children’s festival at Ukulhas island of Alifu Alifu Atoll, to commemorate World Children's Day.

The festival, organized by UNICEF Maldives and the Ukulhas Council in collaboration with government agencies and NGOs on Ukulhas Island, was inaugurated by the First Lady and the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu.

UNICEF Maldives, in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service, organized the festival as one of a series of activities to mark World Children's Day.

The festival featured stalls by the police, the children's ombudsman's office, and government offices and institutions on Ukulhas Island.

Speaking at the event, the First Lady emphasized the need to organize more child-focused events such as Children's Day celebrations. She also noted bullying as one of the numerous issues that children face and implored teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to pay particular attention to the issue. She further urged people in positions of authority and trust over children to work closely with them to prevent bullying.

During the event, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the suffering and mistreatment endured by Palestinian children.

The First Lady additionally observed the stalls at the festival and spent time with the children of Ukulhas Island participating in the festival.

Prior to inaugurating the children's festival, the First Lady unveiled the billboard for World Children's Day.

The goals of the Children's Day celebrations are to raise awareness of child abuse in society and to make the country safe and secure for children travelling to the Maldives. The objectives also include ensuring all sections of society are vocal against child abuse and providing children with a safe, happy, and secure environment to live with their families.

The Maldives Police Service and UNICEF Maldives are commemorating World Children's Day together this year. As such, between December 12 and December 21, several events were scheduled at Ukulhas Island and Alifu Alifu Atoll. These activities include children's art exhibitions, child-safe tourism, cleaning up on the Island, fun runs, and sea sports.

World Children's Day is celebrated every year on November 20.