Strathmore Library hosts National Child Day programming

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Municipal Library hosted an event in partnership with Trellis Family Resource Network to recognize National Child Day on Nov. 20.

National Child Day was first declared on Nov. 20, 1991, by the Government of Canada, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

The Convention sets out the rights of children with 54 articles which provide a roadmap of what has been deemed necessary to raise healthy and happy children and youth. 

Leonor Ortega said this was not the first occasion the library has hosted an event to recognize National Child Day. This time around, there were several activities available to participate in.

“We did some activities like first, to recognize the convention of the rights of the child. We had a list of the rights that the kids could read, and we had one activity where they could select what right they would like to recognize and make a little change,” she said. “Also, we had a photo shop (with) some prompts that the kids could wear to take a photo … we had them making crowns, we had story time, and several books related to children’s rights.”

The theme which was declared for this year’s National Child Day, was “Inclusion for Every Child,” as every child has the right to be treated fairly, regardless of where they reside, the colour of their skin, their abilities, religion, language, or gender identity.

The activities hosted at the library to recognize the occasion followed guidelines and suggestions set out by UNICEF Canada.

Being an event to recognize children’s rights, kids and youth under the age of 18, as well as their families were welcome to drop in and participate for free during the duration of the program. 

“We would like for the kids to see that they have rights and how they can understand what their rights are … and how they can talk at the family level about children’s rights,” said Ortega. “The books (in particular) are very important for kids … and they are something that explains at their reading level what is involved in their rights.”

In addition to resources made availa