**DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVES AND PARTNERS OF THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER;
RESPECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SPONSORING COMPANIES OF THE FIRST CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL “EMBRACING THE FUTURE”;
VALUED PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF THESE WONDERFUL CHILDREN GATHERED HERE:**
It is a great honor to address you today as we come together to celebrate the Day of the African Child, which will be observed tomorrow, June 16.
The phrase “To children, everything they deserve” remains a timeless reminder of our duty as adults to prioritize the well-being and needs of the youngest among us.
In this spirit, the Ministry of Energy and Water is proud to contribute to the organization of this festival, “Embracing the Future.” As part of our commitment to social responsibility, this event brings together parents, children, guardians, and our workforce in a joyful and educational atmosphere.
Having once been children ourselves and now grown into adults, we owe much to our parents, who, despite difficulties, laid the groundwork for us to become who we are today.
We now bear the responsibility of nurturing these young boys and girls, doing our utmost to ensure their spiritual and material well-being. In doing so, we uphold the 11 Rights of the Child, adopted by the Government of Angola in 2007. These rights encompass critical aspects such as survival, nutrition, birth registration, early childhood education, primary schooling, vocational training, juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS prevention, protection from violence, social support, and family development.
DEAR EDUCATORS AND CAREGIVERS,
It is essential that we redouble our efforts to guide these children throughout their growth, ensuring they receive proper vocational, academic, and professional direction. As the proverb wisely states, “It is while they are young that the cucumber is shaped.”
Now, dear children, let me ask you:
What do you aspire to become in the future?
- Electrical technicians?
- Water technicians?
As the leader of the electricity and water sectors, I sincerely hope that many of you will grow to become skilled professionals in these fields. Your contributions will be vital to the operation and maintenance of the country’s existing and future infrastructure, including dams, energy transmission lines, electricity and water production facilities, and related commercial activities—key components in the growth of Angola’s energy and water industries.
I am delighted that the renowned musician Maya Cool, a celebrated figure in our nation’s children’s music, has joined this vibrant and festive occasion.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the event organizer, Celso Mambo, the animation team, Clown Tawas, musician Neru Americano, and the dedicated leaders and technicians of our sector for their remarkable efforts.
A special thank-you to the sponsoring companies—PRODEL, RNT, ENDE, EPAL, K Business, ENG Consult, and DAR—for their support in making this event possible.
Finally, my deepest appreciation goes to all the children and their guardians for accepting our invitation and being part of this celebration.
Thank you all very much!
