National Child Day celebrates youth

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on November 23, 2023.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Hailey Haggett plays with toy tractors during National Child Day celebrations at Lethbridge College.

The annual National Child Day was celebrated at Lethbridge College this past weekend as Lethbridge Plays partnered with 20 child and youth focused organization to host a free family event.

The day is celebrated across Canada to recognize the United Nations Declaration of Rights of the Child.

Its purpose is to build awareness and respect for children and youth rights and have families connect with local resources available to them.

“This year we’re talking about including all children and youth in all activities in our community,” said Denise Fedunec, The Family Centre’s program manager and a coordinator of the event.

“We have a variety of things and it’s for ages from two all the way up to age 12,” said Fedunec.

“We really want them to recognize that children have the right to play, youth have the right to play,” she said.

“The play is different because ages are different and the whole idea is that every child can be included in community and that no one is excluded. Whether that’s playing at the playground, whether that’s playing at school or at a community agency. Everyone can play and play is good for mental health.”

Cynthia Figueroa was at the celebration with her children Lucas and Sophia.

“Keeping them engaged with the different activities that they have at the different tables,” said Figueroa, said of her intentions for the day.

Figueroa says they’re more focused on the things that they’re doing and they can stay engaged longer for different things.

“I think it’s important because they get to see that their community thinks they’re important, and cares about them and there’s many different people out there that can do that for them in different ways,” said Justice Thompson, YMCA child and youth programs manager.