2nd June, 2010, by Lili Gospodinova
Many events were organized in Bulgaria to mark the day: the Bulgarian State Railroads, BDZ, offered free rides to children under 14 to all destinations in second class cars; the State Agency for Child Protection organized a student competition about knowledge of EU Member State. Education Minister, Sergey Ignatov launched a 3-day information “marathon” titled: “What Social Europe Can Do for You?” In addition to all events, drivers turn their lights on during the day.
Eurolink Investment Group (EIG) marked this day with the kids from the village of Konstantinovo, Varna Municipality. The local Community Centre had organized many games, a concert performed by children trained at the Centre and a drawing competition. The first place was won by Stella, a girl in 3rd grade of the local school and was rewarded for her beautiful drawing by the Guest of Honor, Mr. Christopher Violaris, Chairman & C.E.O. of EIG. All boys and girls were entertained by a clown and had lots of fun during the sunny and full of music and laughter afternoon. Mr. Violaris and his staff also enjoyed the day, as it has always been a company policy of EIG to take care, help and celebrate holidays with the youngsters at the village of Konstantinovo, the local people and the village in general, which all gives back satisfaction.
A “Children’s Day”, as an event, is celebrated on various days in many places around the world. Major global variants include an International Children’s Day on June 1 as adopted in the former Communist block, and a Universal Children’s Day on November 20, by United Nations recommendation. Many nations declare days for children on other dates.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is not clear as to why June 1 was chosen as the International Children’s Day: one theory has it that the Chinese consul-general in San Francisco (USA) gathered a number of Chinese orphans to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in 1925, which happened to be on June 1 that year, and also coincided with the conference in Geneva.
International Children’s Day was first celebrated in 1950 in 51 countries worldwide. In Bulgaria the holiday is celebrated on 1 June each year. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, children TV programs, parties, various actions involving or dedicated to children, families going out with their kids, etc.