On the occasion of International Children’s Rights Day, Tienda di Educacion Aruba emphasized the vital role that education and development play in the lives of children and young people on the island.
According to Romely Flanegin, the work of Tienda di Educacion Aruba is based on Article 18 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which underscores every child’s right to education and development, and the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to guide and protect them in this process. Tienda di Educacion Aruba’s operations are centered on this right, with a strong focus on both the educational and developmental needs of children, and the duty of adults to provide support and care.
The organization advocates for every adult and educator to possess the willingness, ability, and skills to address solutions responsibly when it comes to the well-being and development of children. A word, gesture, or sincere, positive attitude can have a profound impact on the well-being and growth of our children and youth, influencing how they feel about themselves and shaping their futures. International Children’s Rights Day provides an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the important role of adults and educators, as well as to emphasize that as a community, we all share the responsibility to work together to create a pedagogically safe, healthy, and stimulating environment. Only then can every child and young person grow and thrive in both their personal well-being and in the surrounding community.
When considering children’s rights, many issues come to the forefront, such as education, poverty, discrimination and acceptance, migration, mental health, support, social help, juvenile justice, child abuse, human trafficking, and civic participation. Among these, education remains a central and fundamental focus. The ongoing goal is to create an educational system that is flexible and adaptable to the needs and realities of today’s generation. A pedagogically healthy school is a space where children can develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally, regardless of their differences or limitations. An educational system that adapts to the reality of each child is essential in preparing them for daily life and the future, with a positive impact on their well-being and decision-making in their growth path.
The protection of children’s rights is not solely the government’s task but the responsibility of us all as a community. Schools, homes, social organizations, and the private sector must join forces to create a safe, inclusive, stimulating, and motivating Aruba for every child and young person. “Behind every child or young person who believes in themselves, there is an adult or educator who believed in them first,” said Romely Flanegin, Director of Tienda di Educacion Aruba.
