More than 150 children from across the city celebrated the World Children’s Day 2021 event held at Gujarat Science City on 20th November.
Elixir Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, Gujarat Science City, UNICEF India, and the Gujarat Youth Forum, hosted the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Moira Dawa, Communication Specialist, UNICEF India said, “As per Census 2011, nearly 30% of Gujarat’s population of 60 million aged 10-24 years i.e. 17.8 million. Investing in children & young people to achieve a more equitable, just and sustainable world for all is at the heart of UNICEF‟s mandate.”
Netri Trivedi, a well-known actor and theatre artist, emphasised the significance of children’s mental health. “Children have impactful minds and are in a key period of development,” Trivedi remarked. We need to provide them the tools they need to be change-makers.
As part of the celebration, Riverside School students organised a unique children-led workshop focusing on strengthening life skills such as collaboration, cooperation, patience, and strategy-building for children.
The day saw young speakers like Aarya Chavda, a 12 year old illustrator and author who shared her journey of environmental & heritage preservation in Ahmedabad.
Rehan, a 14 year old community educator shared his experience of crusading against local environmental pollution.
Mishty Thakker, a 17 year old social entrepreneur from Vadodara who raised funds for ration kits & medical supplies during the pandemic as a part of the young change-makers talk series.
Samriddhi Vaghela, a 13 year old from Sheth C.N. English Medium School said that her experience of social isolation & loneliness during the pandemic and shared the importance of prioritizing both mental & physical health in a pandemic like situation.
On World Children’s Day Celebration Madhish Parikh, Founder of Elixir Foundation said, “It was an empowering experience to listen to young minds who have come from across the city & they presented their views and hopes of a post COVID world. They deserved to be recognised, empowered & celebrated.”
The closing ceremony saw the lighting up of the Earth Dome at Science City as a part of the UNICEF’s global, “Go Blue” campaign.
