Monday 21 November 2016 at 7 p.m. Conference and Debate at Monaco's Vocational and Catering School (Lycée Technique et Hôtelier de Monaco)

Universal Children's Day

 Every year, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the Principality is involved in Universal Children's Day.  Twenty years ago, Prince Rainier III asked the Department of Education, Youth and Sport (DENJS) to organise this day event, which celebrates the anniversary of the International Convention ratified by the United National General Assembly on 20 November 1989.

In October and November, the Department of Education, Youth and Support, with the help of Heads of educational establishments and teachers, is coordinating an awareness-raising campaign on the theme of Children's Rights:

• From 7 to 9 November, a presentation on the International Convention on the Rights of the Child to Year 6 pupils by the President of the Departmental Committee of the Alpes Maritimes of UNICEF France, Mr. Claude Fondecave;
•  On 24 and 25 November, a presentation to Year 5 pupils by the presidents of Monegasque humanitarian associations* on their missions to help the world's children.

Many activities are being undertaken by pupils to raise money for Monegasque humanitarian associations working to defend Children's Rights.  Note that members of the public can buy tombola tickets on the DENJS information stand in the Place du Marché in La Condamine on Thursday 17 November between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and in front of Monaco's Vocational and Catering School (LTHM) on 21 and 22 November (First Prize – a cruise for two in the Mediterranean in a luxury cabin, generously donated by SILVERSEA CRUISES).   

The focal point of the event on 21 November will be Monaco's Vocational and Catering School (Lycée Technique et Hôtelier de Monaco), in front of which many activities will take place.  The high point of the day will be a lecture (open to the public) by Renate Winter, International Judge and Vice-President of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, at 7 p.m. (open to all, admission free), centred on child soldiers and child labour.

Following the lecture, the money raised by the children this year will be donated to "MISSION ENFANCE", which helps children in distress throughout the world, with the main aim of education, "CASA DO MENOR," which helps young people in the favelas of Brazil, especially with access to employment, and the "AKILAH Institute for Women," which works in East Africato promote the emancipation of young girls by giving them access to education. 

Help will also be provided to the Consul of Monaco in Madagascar to provide schooling for 45 Malagasy children.

*Humanitarian associations that are partners of Universal Children's Day:  Action Innocence, Amade Monaco, Casa Do Menor, Child Care Monaco, Children & Future, Digital Aid, The Children of Frankie, Interactions & Solidarity, Mission Enfance, Soutien Entraide Bénévolat and Walking For Kids.