Day of the Child 2023: Date, History, Facts, Events

The Day of the Child, observed on April 30, is a nationally recognised programme that promotes the importance and health of reading among children of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. It brings children and their families together and introduces them to the world of literature, languages, and cultures. It is also known as ‘El Dia de los Niños’ or’ ‘El Dia de los Libros’ (Children’s Day or Book Day). The holiday emphasises the significance of literacy for children of all backgrounds.

The background of Day of the Child

Mexico has annually celebrated Children’s Day since 1925. The day stresses the importance of adoring, accepting, and respecting children because they are regarded as valuable members of society. On this day (or the closest weekday if it falls on a weekend), teachers plan a day for their students that includes activities, music, and food sharing. ‘Piatas’ (which means ‘jugs’ or ‘pots’) are commonly created and shattered by children. Certain institutions suspend instruction for the remainder of the school day. Additionally, some families take their children on a day excursion. In parks and recreation centres, children may participate in unique activities. Occasionally, families give gifts to their offspring. Children of radio and television hosts frequently appear on their parents’ programmes, which are frequently themed with children’s entertainment for the day – a de facto Bring Your Children to Work Day in the media industry.

The original Children’s Day was celebrated on May 8 in Tantoyuca, Veracruz, but President Lvaro Obregón changed the date in 1925 after Mexico ratified the Geneva Conventions and began to care for children affected by World War I. On November 26, 1924, the League of Nations issued the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child, recognising that children are the most afflicted by war.

The United Nations proposed that Children’s Day be observed on November 20. However, there was one problem: the date coincided with Mexico’s Revolution Day. To prevent the celebrations on May 1 (Labour Day) and Cinco de Mayo (The Day of the Battle of Puebla), April 30 was chosen.

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DAY OF THE CHILD EVENTS

Host a children’s celebration.

Children can partake in activities such as face painting, storytelling, and plays at your party. You may include vocabulary- and literacy-enhancing activities, such as musical chairs and word games, in your lesson plans.

Become a child benefactor

Each month, sponsor a child through UNICEF. Your contribution (no matter how modest) has a significant impact on the life of a child.

Spend time within the neighbourhood.

Organise an event in your community to encourage parents and neighbours to spend quality time with their children. Gather them in a local park or invite them to a local council-sponsored event.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHILDREN’S LITERACY

According to statistics, approximately 45 million Americans cannot read beyond the fifth-grade level.

There are fifty percent more uncommon words in children’s books than in ordinary conversation, television, or the radio.

Two-year-old children who are frequently spoken to by their mothers acquire nearly 300 additional words.

61% of low-income families cannot provide books for their children to peruse at home.

Approximately 80% of children in economically disadvantaged communities lose their reading abilities over the summer because they lack access to books.

DAY OF THE CHILD DATES