Where do the children play?

AS OPTIMISTS we are committed to improving the welfare of our children. The mission of Optimism is simple and direct in its declaration: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.

On this Universal Children's Day, celebrated on November 20 each year, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon reminds us of a simple fact.

The one thing all children have in common is their rights. Every child has the right to survive and thrive, to be educated, to be free from violence and abuse, to participate and be heard. These are innate human rights as inalienable as those held by adults. (Ban Ki-Moon, Nov 2014)

It is not only our children's right to be protected, however; it is our duty to make sure that they are. It is our responsibility to ensure that our children have safe places to learn and play and grow happily together. Every opportunity must be provided for them to realize their full and true potential. We all as adult human beings embrace our duty and stand up for the future today.

There are many ways to make a positive difference in the lives of our children. Here are just a few:

Become a mentor

Adopt a child

Contribute to a children's fund

Join an organization that supports children

Volunteer to share your many and varied gifts with the children at a schools, church, children's home.

Let us continue to lift up our children and be the best wind beneath their wings helping them to soar to the many heights of their true potential. Our children are god's gift to remind us of our humanity. Let us love, care, guide and protect them as best we can. After all, as Nelson Mandela says, There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.