December 28 tradition of Christian mourning of the innocent children

[caption id="attachment_9794" align="alignleft" width="294"] Family time with books can build comprehension and create bonding[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---On December 28 around the world Christians observe the Feast of Holy Innocents or “Childermas.” People will read from their Bibles the Biblical story of King Herod's killing of innocent children in an attempt to kill the child known as Jesus, subsequent to the birth a short time before, according to Bible stories.  These innocent children killed at that time are considered by Christians to be the first martyrs of the Faith.

Throughout history there have been unusual ways in which this special time was commemorated.  During the medieval period in England, Christians observed the day by whipping their children while they were in bed in the morning.  This custom continued for a number of centuries.  In the contemporary world, however, December 28 is marked as a time for children to play and be happy. 


But how can one truly recognize the innocent in these times.  Perhaps it is a time to look at the treatment of children across the world and consider these possibilities:

1.  Meet the needs of hungry children, as millions die every year from poverty and malnutrition.  Even in the United States, children go hungry.

2.  Emphasize education as a meaningful goal for all children across the world.  Offer the means and opportunity so every child has a chance to learn a skill for a trade.

3.  Eliminate child labor.  Ensure no children are confined to the fields, to the mines and to laboring jobs so they have a chance to enjoy childhood.

4.  Offer adequate care to pregnant mothers so children can be born healthy.

5.  Adopt the children without families wherever they may be.  Offer every child a loving home.

6.  Turn swords into ploughshares so every child can live without fear and in safety.

7.  Every home, every family and every community must provide a refuge of love, health, and protection to children can grow and be happy in every country of the world.

 

Child labor continues to be a worldwide problem

Editor- "Children should not work, instead should have books in their hands. I know this because I had to start working at a very young age at the stone quarries. I want every child to go to school and get a free and quality education."

That's the opinion of Amarlal, reported by a non profit group that focuses on the issues of humanitarian concerns.

International Centre on Child Labor and Education tells us how millions of children continue to be involved in forced labor. despite the adoption of the ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labor.

We are reminded there is still work to do regarding the welfare of children in the world.  The organization reports 215 million children against whom the crime of child labour is being committed. 115 mullion children, amounting to 1 out of 7 children in worst forms of child labour, that 11 years ago we pledged to our children.

The organization says the primary goal should be to make sure that children have a right to a free education and to also be free of exploitation.

What can ordinary people do?  Be apprised of the news on the problem.  Support agencies and organizations involved in the education of children.  Put pressure on government leaders to ensure laws to promote the safety and welfare of children are put in place, the organization says.

The most telling remark from the group is this, “It is time for us to declare war against child labour. It is time for the international community to state quite clearly that enough is enough and a strong political commitment must emerge to combat child labour once and for all. As with other wars, we need to establish effective strategic partnerships, including with those countries where child labour is prevalent. The time is right to do this and if we fail now, the consequences are too devastating to contemplate.”