Cairo - IOM Egypt and the Egyptian Red Crescent celebrated the World Children’s Day in Alexandria and Cairo, respectively on the 25th and 29th of November, with more than 150 migrant children from various nationalities from Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Syria.

IOM organized a fun unique day for the migrant children aimed at promoting the children’s rights including their right to play. The day included many games and activities for the children to help them enhance their nutrition habits while learning new skills and information about their health and safety.

The theme of the day reassures the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announcement that 2021 is the International Year of Food and Vegetables, which boosts children's immunity in line with COVID-19 precautions.

In this context, IOM conducted the event at Hazel Farm, where the children participated in a gardening course to learn about different food crops and how to plant the seeds by themselves. Throughout the day, many topics with diverse goals were presented to the parents in relation to the significance of the child’s development, such as promoting food security, and raising awareness about the mental health of children through positive parenting sessions and childcare activities.

In light of health awareness, the day ended with an awareness session on COVID vaccination provided by the medical team at IOM.

This event contributes to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), namely Goal 15: ‘Life on Land’, Goal 3: ‘Good health and well-being’ and ‘Goal 13: Climate Action’, aiming to promote for the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation. In addition to encourage everyone to take care of the mental health and protect the planet. 

For further information, please contact Omar Awwad at IOM Egypt, Tel: +20 101 2428 527 Email: osawwad@iom.int