Happy Children’s Day (kind of)

Established 95 years ago in response to World War I’s devastating impact on millions of children, the former League of Nations dedicate a day to minors and their rights.

It was in 1925 in Switzerland during the World Summit on Child Welfare that International Children’s Day was created, which is celebrated throughout the world on June 1.

Subsequently, the United Nations declared Universal Children’s Day, which is officially celebrated on Nov. 20.

Save the Children organization founder Eglantyne Jebb was one of the first promoters of the Declaration of Children Rights, adopted later by the League of Nations in the Geneva Declaration.

Eventually, agencies such as the United Nations, UNICEF and the Organization of American States made similar proclamations to defend minors from abuse and inequality.

The door to the celebration of children was left open for each nation to decide the date of the celebration. In some countries, the original date of June 1 is respected, while many others have designated other days. However, for those who celebrate, it is an extremely special day for the little ones.

In Mexico, for example, every April 30, minors are entertained with parties at schools, while businesses that have children as their target market offer specials right and left.

Because of Imperial Valley’s proximity to the border, many of those traditions often extend here as well.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic has made things very different. Cloistered in their homes for weeks, children have had to put aside parks, skateboards, bicycles, playgrounds, their classmates and teachers — all in order to protect your health and that of your loved ones. SARS CoV- 2 has subdued powerful nations, led to the closure of entire economies, and, as in wartime, has affected many children and their normal activities.

Children wake up in the morning to take classes on their computers and have contact with their teachers exclusively online. The same is true of their friends at school. Perhaps only by phone or social media have children managed to keep up with the lives of their friends. I think the hardest part for them has been staying inside their homes as if there were a battle raging outside.

This dynamic has left a trail of inactivity and frustration for many of our youngest citizens.

When things are finally back to normal, surely those who will most enjoy the recovery of freedom will be those who this Thursday should have enjoyed the sweets, cakes, pizza and other goodies and fun activities that this year will have to remain suspended until conditions are better for them and for everyone.

Either way, Happy Children’s Day, kids.