Heyy Mums its May and Hey, we’re celebrating children everyday!! (yes that’s the exact sing-songy phrase I’d use to get little Missy all excited)
On April 17th, Child Month was launched in Jamaica and since then an interesting list of things to do, places to go and activities to participate in have been popping up. May 12 will also be celebrated as Mother’s Day and May 7th as Teachers day, so between all those dates, there’s just so much to do. This will be a running list, so be sure to let me know of any events/activities I may have missed and I’ll plop them in with an editor’s note.
AWARENESS DRIVEN INITIATIVES
One of the more sentimental efforts I’ve seen is the National child Month Committee’s 31 Days of Love campaign. This essentially has a running calendar of things that persons can do daily throughout May to show children that they care. Have a look at the Day 6 image below with a real easy and really effective action.
The full calendar below shows the actions for each day throughout May. I really like this initiative and will backtrack and do the other days with the welcomed perks of bright smiles, a giggledy toddler and The warming “Mommy you’re so silly”:-D
Another noteworthy initiative throughout May is UNICEF Jamaica’s #WeMatterToo series which involves “sharing powerful stories of adolescents and young people in vulnerable circumstances. This week’s feature (May 6-10th) zooms in on sexual violence against children and feature the story of two girls, infected with HIV at an early age, who continue to thrive with friendship and support.”
A most touching output from the series is the Two Journeys to One Friendship story which focuses on some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable adolescents and young people. Read Two Journeys to One Friendship via UNICEF Jamaica’s Facebook Page
I tore up a few times reading this story as it touches at the heart of some many abused kids who have been forced to be the continued victim even after their initial plight. I do hope other moms will read and become more aware of some of the issues that their children may face even while in their care.
…Do remember to like UNICEF Jamaica on Facebook and keep up with this compelling series. ——————
CHARITABLE VENTURES
There are also a few charitable Events on the local scene for Child Month/ mother’s Day.
The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation (MCADF) in Association with Kidz Village will be hosting a Kiddies Jamboree and Family Funday on May 25th. The Kidz Village will be donating to the MCADF in support of Autism. See the flier below and give your support to a worthy cause.
Local brand WATA will be hosting a Pre Mother’s Day 5k and Health Fair on Saturday, May 11 with proceeds towards the Nuttall memorial Hospital.. Unfortunately the registration deadline passed on Friday, May 3, but do go on out and cheer on the supporters.
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FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
There are also several entertaining ventures and the JCDC’s Children Gospel Competition Finals is always a treat.. Swing on by on May 26th and see many of our child stars in action.
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COMPETITIONS
And there are ways to get the little ones involved too.
Nestle Jamaica is hosting a Schools Wellness Fiesta from May 9-11 under the Theme “Combatting Childhood Obesity: Developing Healthy Eating Habits” and best of all admission is Free!!!
The National Child Month Committee has also launched a Poster and Poem Competition. I enquired of the prizes and they promised to announce those soon, so See details on the Flier below.
Did I miss anything on my round up? Let me know.. Cheers
