WE VALUE CHILDREN AND CELEBRATE THEM ON NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY 2017

National Children’s Day 201

On the 4^th of November 2017 we celebrated National Children’s Day for the 8^th time in Eldorado Park since I have been part of it. This is a yearly event on the first Saturday of November. People came from different places to participate and enjoy themselves with the children. This is a day that we as a community celebrate our children. Our children need to know that they have an important place in our lives. They must know that they are loved unconditionally. They need to know that they are children and should play and have fun as children should have fun.  Most of our children in society do not play anymore. Children should play!We started the day gathering from 8 am at the local shopping center in extension 8 in Eldorado Park. We had the Powerful Girl Brigade leading us in a walk to the event in extension 5, the Mateman Hall civic center. We were escorted by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department.

Children and parents joined in as we passed by their homes. Others just woke up shouting that they will come later. The excitement in the air was thrilling. This was amazing to see people coming together to celebrate Our Most Prized Possessions, CHILDREN!

When we arrived at the Civic Center everybody was greeted and given the instruction to go to the teachers who represented their ages and the parents and to be in that same line with the youngest child they brought with them. In their respective groups they were registered and received a ribbon they had to wear all day. This ribbon helped us to see the children who came late and was not registered. This helped us to identify the late comers quickly and helped them to integrate in the program of the day.

As you can see the ribbons helped us to make sure that every child had something to eat and drink. This worked amazingly. We were assisted by members of the community such as Come Back Mission, Becomo Skills Centre, Sunday school teachers, church members, parents and leaders in the community. Each person who helped did it voluntarily and they were great with the children. THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY PERSON WHO CAME AND ASSISTED WHETHER YOU HAD A CHILD THERE OR NOT. A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE UNITING REFORMED CHURCH IN ELDORADO PARK.  THANK YOU TO UNCLE ENOS MAFOKATE THE FIRST BLACK HORSE SHOW JUMPER AND HIS TEAM. THANK YOU TO PASTOR ALLAN MNENE AND THE BOAT MINISTRY. THANK YOU TO PASTOR ERIC GERTZE AND HIS TENT MINISTRY TEAM. THANK YOU TO DWAYNE AND HIS MOBILE ANIMALS. GOD BLESSES EACH ONE OF YOU GREATLY!

This was the art the children made around the letters that stand out...amazing!

Even the parents were excited to learn about the exotic animals...

Though it was a day of fun the children had had a few new lessons they were taught.

Our theme for the day was I AM KINDNESS. The children were challenged to treat others with kindness not because others deserved it but because they are kind. As I am kind, kindness is my nature and I will do well no matter how others treat me. This was a challenge for a few children as they found themselves fighting or just being nasty with others, then they were reminded how to be and it changed everything. One could see anger disappear in an instant. Children forgive so easily. We can learn much from them.  They were taught about horses. Uncle Enos shared with them his life story in a nutshell and inspired many to go for the dreams they have. Even if those dreams seem impossible. They were taught about recycling: re- use, reduce, recycle, re-think by Desmond and his team. They did an excellent job.

The children did face painting, jumping castles, horse riding and donkey riding in a cart, the petting zoo, chess, arts and crafts, and the talent show. Each contestant received a stick sweet and a packet of crispy chips. You can imagine how many children signed up for the talent show. We had to actually stop it.

All this was for free...free...free.

We are looking forward to next year. Remember the 1^st Saturday of November 2018. I trust that if you will not be part of our National Children’s Day that you will make it special for the children in your community.