Children’s Day, celebrated annually on May 27 in Nigeria, is a powerful reminder of the need to nurture, protect, and empower our children. The theme for 2024, “Enhancing the Total Well-Being of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skills Development,” perfectly encapsulates the aspirations for a brighter future for our youth. This year, the Women’s Health, Empowerment, and Peace Initiative (WOHEPI), in collaboration with the Mbaduku Development Association (MDA), brought the celebration closer to home in Tsar, Vandeikya LGA, Benue State. It was a day filled with joy, learning, and community spirit, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.

A Collaborative Effort

Planning for the event began months in advance. The dedicated committee, including members from WOHEPI and representatives from various schools, worked tirelessly to ensure a memorable celebration. Invitations were sent to 40 primary and secondary schools within Mbaduku district, encompassing Mbatyough and Yumagbagh council wards. Advocacy efforts through schools and churches ensured robust mobilization of children, parents, and community members.

The preparation extended beyond simple logistics. The organizing team planned activities such as match passes, cultural dances, races, tug-of-war, football matches, and a tree-planting initiative. These activities were designed not only for entertainment but also to showcase the children’s talents and creativity. Rewards, including medals, certificates, and gifts like exercise books, were prepared to recognize and celebrate the participants’ efforts.

A Day of Festivities and Learning

The festivities commenced at 8 AM at Mbaduku Community Secondary School (MCSS), Tsar, with a welcome address by the school’s principal, followed by opening remarks from the representative of the Vandeikya LGA Chairman. Goodwill messages from WOHEPI and student leaders highlighted the day’s significance, underscoring the importance of education and children’s rights.

The day’s highlights included:

• Match Passes: Schools paraded in vibrant formations, displaying discipline, teamwork, and creativity.
• Sports Competitions: Football matches, sac races, and tug-of-war engaged children in healthy competition, fostering sportsmanship and resilience.
• Cultural Dances: Performances showcased the rich cultural heritage of Mbaduku, creating a sense of pride and connection among participants.
• Tree Planting: Led by the principal and the representative of the Vandeikya LGA Chairman, this activity emphasized environmental awareness and the importance of sustainability.

Parents and community members were actively involved, cheering the participants and creating a supportive atmosphere. The large turnout reflected the community’s commitment to its children’s future and the value placed on education and development.

Promoting Education and Environmental Awareness

Beyond the celebrations, the event served as a platform for advocacy. WOHEPI’s goodwill message emphasized:

• Active parental involvement in children’s physical and mental well-being.
• The importance of fostering a positive and encouraging discipline style.
• Strengthening parent-child communication to enhance learning outcomes and personal growth.
• Educating children about healthy eating habits to boost their physical and mental performance.

The tree-planting initiative introduced children to the importance of environmental conservation, linking it to broader goals like climate change mitigation, wealth creation, and sustainable development. Four mango trees were planted during the event, with plans to expand this effort with the arrival of cocoa seedlings in July 2024.

Impact and Lessons Learned

The 2024 Children’s Day celebration in Mbaduku achieved remarkable outcomes:

• Over 2,000 children and parents participated, fostering a sense of community pride.
• Awards and certificates of participation boosted children’s morale and motivation.
• Extracurricular activities highlighted the importance of holistic education, helping children discover and develop their talents beyond academics.

Key lessons from the event include the vital role of extracurricular activities in retaining children’s interest in schooling and the value of community mobilization. Parents expressed pride in their children’s achievements, reinforcing the importance of their investments in education. Additionally, the event provided opportunities for cross-learning, with primary school students gaining insights into secondary school opportunities through interactions and observations.

Conclusion

The celebration of Children’s Day in Mbaduku was a resounding success, showcasing the power of community collaboration in championing the rights and well-being of children. It demonstrated that education extends beyond the classroom, encompassing activities that build character, foster creativity, and promote social connections. As the community looks forward to further tree-planting initiatives and continued efforts to support children’s development, the seeds of hope, knowledge, and unity shown on May 27 will undoubtedly yield lasting benefits.