Children’s Day, celebrated worldwide on November 20, is a time to honor children and advocate for their rights, well-being, and development. Originating in the early 20th century, the day gained formal recognition in 1954 when the United Nations General Assembly designated Universal Children’s Day. This initiative aimed to promote global awareness of children’s safety, welfare, and fundamental rights to a nurturing and fulfilling life.
UNITED SIKHS is one with the rest of the world in celebrating World Children’s Day and in advocating for their basic human rights. We are committed to supporting children everywhere, ensuring they grow up in a world that respects and empowers them. Just recently, UNITED SIKHS launched Project Galkwakdi providing children in Panjab with meaningful education on Sikh history, the lives of the Sahibzadey, learning Gurmukhi and more. This initiative instills pride in their heritage, helping them connect with Sikh values and Gurbani. UNITED SIKHS also has a continuous volunteer program that runs throughout the year where young people can learn or shadow professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, humanitarian relief coordinators to name a few.
Amplifying these efforts is Project Kirti, UNITED SIKHS’ transformative campaign aimed at empowering individuals and communities.
Furthermore, in response to the unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 Pandemic, UNITED SIKHS stepped up by providing tutorial classes and started local programs like the Homework Help Club designed to assist children coming from lower socio-economic backgrounds in finishing their homework as their parents may not have the time or ability to help them, and the schools they attend often lack the resources to create similar programs. Another brewing project is the Khalsa Tutoring Program which is aimed at serving those who are unable to afford or do not have access to high quality tutoring.
“For every child, every right” is this year’s theme for World Children’s Day. It calls for efforts to ensure that all children are afforded their rights as guaranteed by The Convention on the Rights of the Child. Congruent with this, UNITED SIKHS through a range of services, provides initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse like the Cyber Security Crash Course, a selective course which teaches young people about the basics of cyber security and strategy.
Education is a fundamental human right that empowers individuals and builds nations. It serves as a cornerstone for personal development, equality, and economic progress. UNITED SIKHS believes that ensuring access to quality education for all children not only nurtures individual potential but also promotes inclusive and sustainable development. By prioritizing education, we lay the foundation for a more just, equitable, and prosperous world.
