Femili PNG Lae celebrated Universal Children’s Day with students and teachers of Omili Primary School on Friday, 22 November.
Omili Primary School is one of the schools in Morobe Province that the Lae Outreach team have engaged with in conducting awareness raising sessions to students and teachers with the aim to prevent abuse and violence at an early stage. Femili PNG also set up FSV corners for students and teachers in Omili Primary School for students to have access to information and to work closely with Femili PNG when reaching out for support and referrals.
The celebration of Children’s Day in partnership with Femili PNG provides an opportunity for students to be involved with fun filled outdoor games such as musical chair, blind feeding with ice cream, and apple eating etc.
Apart from fun games, the students shared some of their learnings from information sessions conducted by Femili PNG to them. Furthermore, selected students from grade 3 to grade 7 recited the children’s rights and responsibilities to their fellow students and teachers.
The Australian Consul-General in Lae, Mr. Mark Foxe, attended the event and made his speech. From his remarkable speech, Mr. Foxe strongly reminded parents and adults of their responsibility to listen to their children, and when their children tell them things that matter to them parents must listen. He said, “Let us listen to our children and never discourage them from speaking up. Let us make our children believe that their voice and their opinions matters.”
Mr. Mark reinforced that the Australian Government remains committed to supporting the PNG government and the civil societies that enable the future, protection and well-being of PNG children.
Omili Primary School Principal Mr. Amu Yelo thanked Mr. Mark for making this event extra special with his presence and notable speech. He also expressed his appreciation to Femili PNG for their engagement with the school to educate students on their rights and responsibilities.
This is the first time the school celebrated Children’s Day with guests outside of the school. Dealing with children is everyone’s responsibility, not for teachers and schools only. We need NGOs, companies and government stakeholders to work together to help educate and build children holistically as better citizens of PNG, says Mr. Amu.
He appealed to over 3,000 students to report abuse and violence if they happen to experience it and get help.
Femili PNG acknowledges the continued support from the Australian Government through the PNG AUS Partnership for making this event a success.
Omili Primary School in Lae.
