KUWAIT: The eighth Childhood Festival, themed “Our Children are our Investment” commenced at the International Fairgrounds in Mishref on Tuesday. Organized by the Dawa Al-Yada Volunteer Center, the festival boasts participation from ministries, public benefit associations and government and private institutions, with over 1,500 children expected to attend the three-day event.

Vice Chairperson of the Center Wafaa Al-Bakr highlighted the strategic sponsorship of the ministry of education and the festival’s continuity following past successes, drawing over 7,000 visitors annually. Bakr emphasized the significance of childhood, stressing that it forms the foundation of society. She acknowledged the contributions of various ministries, government and private entities in enriching the festival through active participation and support.

This year’s festival theme, “Our Children are our Investment”, reflects the belief that children represent the best investment for society, covering areas such as health, education, security and religion. Bakr mentioned the center’s commitment to motivating children to showcase their talents and abilities through competitions. The Al-Yada Center’s vision includes investing in children’s health, leading to the launch of the “Future Child in Better Health” campaign this year, aimed at helping obese children and those with chronic diseases lead healthier lives.

Children enthusiastically participate in the eighth Childhood Festival that got off on Tuesday.

The festival’s objectives extend to educating parents about early disability cases in children, addressing issues like hyperactivity, learning difficulties and speech challenges. Bakr urged parents, ministries, and institutions to collaborate in developing long-term plans for the moral and material security of children, emphasizing their role as a valuable resource for societal development.

Sheikha Fadia Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Al-Saad Foundation for Knowledge and Scientific Research, highlighted Al Mabarrah’s commitment to human development and scientific research. The foundation focuses on providing consultations, training programs, and organizing conferences to promote sustainable development and leadership in science.

Captain Ahmed Boushehri of the Public Relations and Media Department of Kuwait Fire Force emphasized the department’s participation in the festival to raise awareness about fire safety among children. The department aims to provide simple and easy-to-understand information to familiarize children with security measures, safety and firefighting.

Col Abdullah Bahman of the Traffic Awareness Department at the Ministry of Interior explained the ministry’s commitment to community awareness, especially among children. The department’s participation focuses on educating drivers about traffic rules and etiquettes while emphasizing the importance of instilling traffic awareness in children from a young age.

The collaborative efforts of various entities aim to create a positive impact on children’s well-being, safety and awareness, contributing to the overall development of society. - KUNA