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PESHAWAR, Nov 17 (APP):The University Model School, University of Peshawar came alive on Monday as students, teachers, and child protection stakeholders gathered to mark Universal Children’s Day 2025.
Organized by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Department, Merged Districts, in partnership with UNICEF, the event spotlighted the leadership, creativity, and advocacy potential of adolescent girls.
The celebration featured an array of interactive and awareness-building activities tailored to adolescent participants.
Highlights included a theatre performance titled “My Day, My Rights” conceptualized and performed entirely by adolescent girls, along with a student-led panel discussion on child protection challenges and a debate competition encouraging youth to voice their views with confidence.
In her opening remarks, UNICEF Child Protection Officer Sumbal Gillani praised the Directorate for hosting an event dedicated to adolescent girls, noting their pivotal role as advocates for younger children.
She emphasized the transformative impact of equipping girls with knowledge, confidence, and leadership opportunities, stressing that informed adolescent girls often become influential peer educators within their communities.
Sumbal Gillani reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting platforms that amplify girls’ voices and promote peer-led initiatives aimed at ending violence, exploitation, and harmful practices.
Director of the Social Welfare Department, Merged Districts, Obaid ur Rahman, expressed gratitude to the school administration for their support and acknowledged UNICEF’s strong partnership in advancing child protection initiatives across the province.
The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony honoring students who participated in the theatre, panel discussion, and debate activities. Shields were also presented to organizers and school officials for their contributions to the event’s success.
Participants reaffirmed a shared commitment to safeguarding children and adolescents from violence, exploitation, and abuse, underscoring that collective action and community engagement remain key to building safer, more supportive environments for all children.
Universal Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, serves as a global reminder of the importance of children’s rights and well-being.
Established by the United Nations in 1954, the day commemorates two landmark human rights milestones, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989.
This year’s theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscores the need to ensure that children everywhere are heard, respected, and involved in shaping decisions that affect their lives.