**DEAR REPRESENTATIVES AND COLLABORATORS OF THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER;
HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SPONSORING COMPANIES OF THE FIRST CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL “EMBRACING THE FUTURE”;
DEAR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF THESE WONDERFUL BOYS AND GIRLS PRESENT HERE:**
It is with immense pleasure that I address you today to celebrate the Day of the African Child, which will be marked tomorrow, June 16.
“To children, everything they deserve” is a celebrated phrase that should always command our attention as adults.
In this spirit, the Ministry of Energy and Water, as part of its social responsibility, joins the initiative to organize this festival, titled “Embracing the Future.” This event aims to unite parents, children, guardians, and the collective workforce of our sector in a fun and educational environment.
As children once ourselves and now adults, we must be grateful for everything our parents did for us, ensuring the foundation for us to become the men and women we are today, even under challenging circumstances.
It is our responsibility to care for these boys and girls, striving to do our best for their spiritual and material well-being, thereby fulfilling the 11 Rights of the Child adopted by the Government of Angola in 2007. These rights encompass child survival, food security and nutrition, birth registration, early childhood education, primary education, vocational training, juvenile justice, prevention against HIV/AIDS, protection from violence, social protection, and family competence.
DEAR EDUCATORS OF THESE CHILDREN,
We must double our efforts to monitor their growth process to ensure better vocational, academic, and professional guidance. As the old saying goes, “It is while they are young that the cucumber is shaped.”
Allow me to ask you, little friends, what would you like to be in the future?
- Electrical technicians?
- Water technicians?
As the head of the electricity and water sectors, it is my great desire that most of these children will become professionals in electricity and water in the future. They will ensure the operation and maintenance of the existing and upcoming electrical and water infrastructures across the country—dams, electrical transmission lines, electricity and water production centers, and in the field of commercialization, among many other essential areas in the development of the energy and water industry chain.
It is an honor to know that the renowned musician Maya Cool, a reference in children’s music in our country, has joined this celebration of friendship and festivity.
I conclude by thanking the event organizer, Celso Mambo, the animation team, Clown Tawas, musician Neru Americano, and the sector’s leaders and technicians for their dedication.
My gratitude also extends to the sponsoring companies, namely PRODEL, RNT, ENDE, EPAL, K Business, ENG Consult, and DAR.
My heartfelt thanks to all the children and their guardians for accepting our invitation.
Thank you very much!
