THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE NATIONAL CHILDRENS DAY ASSOCIATION AWARDS
SPEAKING NOTES FOR THE PRESIDENT, MARY ROBINSON ON 17 NOVEMBER, 1993.
- The presentation of the National Childrens Day Awards is a very important and special occasion. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge in a very public way the achievements of children and their unique and invaluable contribution to making our world a better and happier place.
- This ceremony is one of the highlights in the annual calender of social activities which are associated with National Childrens Day. The Awards Ceremony has grown enormously in size and prestige over recent years. This is a welcome reflection of a comparable growth in the awareness and appreciation by society in general towards children and their abilities.
- Very often nowadays we tend to hear only of negative stories relating to children. These may allude, for example, to the cost of raising a family, changes in behaviour patterns among the young or to the topical and important question of the welfare and protection of children. While we should all quite rightly be extremely concerned about these serious issues, it is heartening to remember that the majority of our children thankfully lead a normal and happy existence untouched by misfortune and misadventure.
- From my own travels throughout the country, I regularly visit many different projects that involve or relate to children, whether they be nurseries, schools, care centres, community initiatives, youth programmes or whatever.
- I never cease to be amazed at the extent of the goodwill that exists in everyday living towards children and the many practical forms through which this is channelled.
- I am even more delighted and encouraged however at the great zest for life that is to be found among children. Their enthusiasm for, and capacity to look positively on nearly any aspect of, life, is often lost on or forgotten by some adults. Fortunately, the majority of adults, whether as individuals or through groups such as the National Childrens Day Association, recognise and actively support the various needs and abilities of children. I strongly welcome and support any initiative that serves to highlight the 'good news' or positive aspects of the achievements of children.
- The National Childrens Day Association has for many years celebrated the concept of childhood and successfully sought to promote the dreams of successive generations of children. It offers them a special opportunity to experience new people and places. It allows them to broaden their horizons and to view the world in a new and positive light. The special memories gained by their participation in the Day's activities will remain with them for many years to come.
- The National Childrens Day gives us a chance to serve children in a very beneficial way, to reflect upon the special qualities and values that are inherently and uniquely theirs and to repay them in some small way for the happiness and hope that they so selflessly and unconsciously bring to the lives of us all.
- Those who have worked to develop the National Childrens Day over the years have built up an impressive track record of ability and expertise. They have successfully endeavoured to respond to the changing needs of children and have given of their services willingly and selflessly. Their commitment and enthusiasm is quite remarkable and I would like to avail of this opportunity to acknowledge their pioneering and invaluable work.
- On this special occasion however, I would like to pay a particular tribute to the very worthy recipients of these prestigious Awards. The positive qualities they have portrayed are, I am happy to say, to be found in abundance in children everywhere. It is however, for their particular and outstanding achievements that the children present today so deserved their accolade.
- Each of them has his/her own special story to tell and some have overcome significant personal or other obstacles to obtain this recognition. Nevertheless, the common characteristic to be found among them all is their unfailing willingness to consider others above themselves and to adopt a very optimistic outlook towards life. The courage, determination and happiness that they exude is plainly obvious and should provide a salutary lesson and encouragement to us all to view things in their proper perspective and to adopt a more positive attitude to life.
- I wholeheartly congratulate each recipient of an Award here today and commend them for the special qualities that have brought them this tremendous honour. In doing so, I wish also to pay tribute to all the children in our country. Each child is unique and special and has the ability to contribute in some way each day towards enhancing their own lives and that of others. He or she should be given every opportunity and encouragement to fulfil their potential and it is towards this goal that all of us who are concerned about children must work.
- In conclusion, I would like to extend to each of the Award winners, and the National Childrens Day Association, my very best wishes for the future. I am confident that they will continue to live up to the ideals that have brought us together here today to celebrate their success.