The Asian Launch event of the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is to be held on Saturday 14th November 2009 with Mr. Daniel Toole, UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia as its Chief Guest.Â
A World Day of Prayer and Action for Children seeks to bring together people of religion and goodwill to safeguard the integrity, rights and dignity of children and promote their wellbeing. It is made possible by a partnership among the world’s religions, faith-based groups, secular organizations and people of goodwill committed to building a world fit for children.
A World Day of Prayer and Action for Children takes place every year on Universal Children’s Day, November 20, which is also the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On that day, all over the world, in every community, and in all places of worship, prayer services will be accompanied by one or two common, measurable actions for the survival, development and protection of children.
The event held at the ‘Nawa Rangahala’ premises of Royal College, Colombo will be a collective of Religious Leaders, Organizations working for Children and most importantly over 600 Children from all over the country as well as children and other special invitees from India, Nepal and Maldives. Honored guests include  Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, the founder of the Sarvodaya Movement, Mr. Philippe Dumelle, Country Representative for Sri Lanka, UNICEF.
With the World Day of Prayer and Action for Children giving, the launch event itself gives prominence to children and will be hosted by children from the South Asia region. Children from Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Matara and guest teams from Sunera Foundation and Mrs. Rajini Selvanayagam’s troupe will perform on stage.
The event agenda includes child friendly language and performances suitable to capture the minds of the children. Emphasis is on conveying spiritual messages through cultural performances. Each of the performances by Children will highlight aspects of religion in nurturing the positive development of a child. The event will culminate with a common meditation session unleashing a spiritual force for the well being of children across the region.
The launch event will be followed up with a week of action for the betterment of children through Sarvodaya and its network of partner organizations.
