Two dates mark key historic milestones in how the world views and treats children. Despite falling on different years in occurrence, the two important events share a similar day; 20th November. On 20th November 1959, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted by extension, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Otherwise referred to as the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, the international declaration sets out basic rights and fundamental freedoms that all children are entitled to. On 20th November 1989, as the principal organ of the United Nations, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The Convention is a human righty treaty (agreement between member states and bound by international law) which outlines the political, civil, economic, social, cultural and health rights of children.
The Universal Children’s Day is commemorated yearly on 20th November being a platform to help foster mutual understanding and awareness among children and promote the welfare of children globally. PHOTO: OPTIVEN FOUNDATION
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child and Convention of the Rights of the Child provide a global outlook on a range of children issues among them child marriages and slavery, parenting, corporal punishment, spaces for children to speak out and wholesome growth and development of children. The Universal Children’s Day is commemorated yearly on 20th November being a platform to help foster mutual understanding and awareness among children and promote the welfare of children globally.
Today as the world marks the Universal Children’s Day, there remains concerns on whether the rights of children are being upheld. Statistics from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) indicate that about 15,000 children under five years of age die every day due to preventable causes. Sadly, such unfortunate tragedies continue to harbor the wellbeing of children and it is the responsibility of everyone to help stop such tragedies from happening.
Optiven Foundation, the soft arm of Optiven Group – a pacesetter in real estate in Kenya, continues to invest a lot of resources, time and expertise in enabling children reach their highest potential. Under its four main pillars; Provision of Education to needy students, Poverty Alleviation, Promotion of Health and Environment Protection, Optiven Foundation contributes to the health, education and social well-being of children.
Children require a conducive environment to grow and develop. However, statistics from UNICEF indicate that about 15,000 children under five years of age die each day from preventable causes. This must be prevented and eliminated at all costs. PHOTO: OPTIVEN FOUNDATION
Under the Soaring Eagles Scholarship Programme (SESP) in the Education Pillar, bright but needy children from all the 47 counties in Kenya benefit from mentorship and financial assistance throughout their four-year secondary school education. In the health pillar, Optiven Foundation regularly holds medical camps in remote communities which ensures that basic healthcare services are afforded to adults and children who would otherwise not be reached by this essential service.
Just recently, Optiven Foundation completed the design and construction of a new modern educational and residential facility at Soweto Anti Aids Children’s Home in Kayole on the outskirts of the capital city, Nairobi. The institution houses children who are victims of HIV/AIDS by way of either their parents passing away due to the disease or themselves living with the deadly virus. The Foundation also supports the facility by provision of weekly food rations.
As the world works towards creating safe spaces where children’s rights can be upheld and children affairs promoted, Optiven Group will continue to dedicate its financial capability and expertise to realize this noble dream. This is because at Optiven, we believe that all children have a right to love, education, health, clean water, safety, a fair chance, a voice and a childhood.
To support Optiven Foundation, email us at info@optivenfoundation.org or call us at +254 20 2484022, +254 718 776033.
