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November 20, 2013
For immediate release
More than 600 Island children celebrate National Child Day
Education and Early Childhood Development
“National Child Day is an opportunity to celebrate our children and to ensure they have a voice, are protected from harm and have their basic human needs met in order to reach their full potential,” said Minister McIsaac. “I want to thank and congratulate the Early Childhood Development Association of Prince Edward Island for organizing the National Child Day parade which continues to be a tremendous celebration.”
November 20th marks the annual National Child Day in Canada. It commemorates the United Nations’ adoption of two documents that focus on the rights of children. These documents make a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. Children from Charlottetown and surrounding communities joined representatives from the Early Childhood Development Association and Minister McIsaac to march through downtown Charlottetown.
“Each year the Canadian Child Care Federation shines a spotlight on one right in particular as a theme,” said Sonya Corrigan, Executive Director for the PEI Early Childhood Development Association. “By looking at one right in more detail, we can increase awareness and knowledge of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This year, the Canadian Child Care Federation selected Article 19, the Right to Be Protected from Being Hurt and Mistreated, in Body or Mind as the theme for National Child Day.
The focus is on providing high quality, safe and supportive environments for all children.”
“Early childhood educators play such an important role in educating and preparing Island children for the future,” said Minister McIsaac. “This is a great opportunity to speak with the volunteers, employees and parents who are so dedicated to working to protect the rights of our children. I encourage all Islanders to commemorate National Child Day by letting our children know that today, and every day, they are safe, respected and loved.”
The parade is an annual event organized by the Early Childhood Development Association of Prince Edward Island; the parade began at the Charlottetown Fire Station, continued up Kent Street to University Avenue, and ended at Memorial Hall for a gathering.
