Child Sponsorship Program

By Cecilia Carrión

There is no doubt children bring joy to our lives. That is good reason to celebrate them, and in Ecuador every June 1st is the occasion to honor those little blessings of life. On this day, all sorts of activities take place to convey that children are important and valuable, and as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to make their wellbeing possible.
Families like to honor this special date by offering children presents, taking them out to have their favorite food, going to puppet and magic shows, or simply sharing games and fun at a park. At school, teachers and parents usually help throw little parties for the kids; there are choreographies, contests or games prepared by classmates and they also share something tasty to eat. No matter what is planned for this day, there is only one thing in mind: make this day unique for children.

Sometimes when I watch children around me, I have the impression they are full of things to tell and they are eager to reveal them, but they hold back like there is no point because we wouldn’t understand anyway. That’s when I wonder if it is them not showing what they have inside, or if it is me not trying hard enough to see it.

I’ve noticed that when we give children reasons why we tell them to do this or that, we frequently expect them to understand things from our point of view. There is no way for a child to see things as a grown-up; it is not time for them to do so yet. I believe it would be better if we put ourselves in children’ shoes instead. We all know what it is like to be a child and how hard some things can be, and that knowledge helps them trust us to hold their hand and help them find their own way through life.

The significance of the Day of the Child should be taken beyond the day itself. Day after day we should do everything possible to be close to the hearts of children around us; we need to start seeing the world through children’s eyes to get a deeper understanding of what they need and want. Let’s show children we have a soft side too; let’s prove to them they can trust us. I feel that is the way to show children how important they really are…and if we get closer to them then we will see joy come to children’s lives.

Cecilia Carrión is the Communications Coordinator for Children International’s child sponsorship program in Quito, Ecuador.

Photo 1: Greg Tobey
Photo 2: Andrés Barreno