CYPRUS:CELEBRATING THE UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY 2011 WITH A FOCUS ON THE “ONE IN FIVE” CAMPAIGN

Ms Maria Louka, the headmistress of the school welcomed the attendees and talked about the student’s rights within the school area which she characterized as a small “city”. Dr Zina Poulli, the Director of Secondary Education read the Minister’s of Education speech which highlighted points on the children’s rights convention and the problems we face today as well as the importance of a democratic educational system. Mr. Yiannakis Omirou, the president of the House of Representatives, was represented by the parliamentarian, Ms Roula Mavronikola, who read Mr. Omirou’s speech on the role of children in decision making. In particular, she talked about the importance of acknowledging the child as an external observer and the significance of making them feel confident in expressing their views. Ms Sotiroulla Charalambous, Minister of Labour, also attended the event, where she spoke about the challenges that adults face in order to avoid undermining the next generation’s prospects, particularly referring to the economic crisis of our time. Also stressed the importance of One IN FIVE Campaign . Present to the event was also the Head of EC Representation Ms Androulla Kaminara who brought our attention to the rising cases of child abuse and violence as well as child pornography within the European Union. Her appeal to the students was for them to learn and claim their rights. 

Both Mr. Giorgos Theophanous, the Good Will Ambassador of the Campaign and Mr. Joseph Varughese, spoke about the importance and the goals of the “ONE in FIVE” campaign. Mr Theophanous addressed directly to the children present explaining to them the importance of protecting themselves and emphasized on the Guidelines as set in the “Underwear Rule” of the Campaign. 

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