APRIL 23 INTERNATIONAL
CHILDREN’S DAY
ONE DAY. MILLIONS OF LIVES. FUTURE OF THE GLOBE.
Today, April 23rd, is a national holiday and a day of festivities awarded to the children of the world by Mustafa
Kemal Ataturk on April 23rd. The significance of today lies on the fact that it is the first and only day covering
the importance of children as the future of our society and is dedicated solely to them, also recognized by
UNICEF.
When the first Grand National Assembly of the Turkish Republic that was in the process of rebirth from the
ashes of the Ottoman Empire with the National Independence War was opened on April 23rd, 1920, it was a
historical day: after centuries of monarchy, the sovereignty from then on, unconditionally belonged to the
nation. In 1929, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, dedicated this important day to
children of the world, with his profound understanding of the importance of children in the future of the society.
Since then this day has been celebrated with festivities throughout the country with the participation of
government and military officials extending to the highest level and with wide participation of the citizens and
foreign guests, who happen to be children from other countries, making this day also an important compliment to
world peace. Another important tradition of this day is that children symbolically take over the posts of adults
as the mayors, presidents, and parliamentarians of the future for one day.
There are many quotes of Atatürk known to this day; only a few of them are enough to express the significance
and value he denotes to children:
“You are the rose, star and light of our future. You are the ones who will enlighten our country”
“Children are the basis of a country”
“Protecting a country starts with protecting the children”
In a world where children face many problems from poverty to abuse, it is even more important to recognize the
importance of this day and dedicate ourselves to their well being, protection and development with elevated
consciousness as well as to the promotion of a world in peace. This newspaper has been issued with this sole
purpose, along with using this opportunity to keep the soul of the day alive as it has been since over 80 years:
MAY WE HAVE MANY MORE NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND INTERNATIONAL
CHILDREN’S DAYS!
SAME DESTINY, DIFFERENT AFTERMATH:
IN MEMORY OF ALEXIS AND BERKIN
In an era where street violence by the governmental forces operates widely, life threatening events as such do
not only target adults. Two children – Alexis and Berkin – they used to live in different countries, but both were
shot to death by police officers who were aiming at groups of civilians. What happened afterwards, however, is
remarkably different in the two countries, Greece and Turkey.
On the 6th of December in 2008, as a reaction to the public unrest prevalent in Athens, Greece the police officer
Epaminondas Korkoneas fired his gun directly against the citizens.
The resulting bullet happened to find its way to the chest of Alexis Grigoropulos (15) and killed him. Since
then, every year on the 6th of December, the Greek protests the police and the government in the streets of
Greece. The police officer who shot Alexis was sentenced to a lifelong jail sentence, while his colleague who
failed to prevent him from the act was sentenced to 10 years. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Interior quit his
post.
On the 16th of June in 2013, in İstanbul, Turkey, while Gezi protests and police crackdown were at its peaks,
Berkin Elvan (15) was struck by a gas canister on the head fired by a police officer. He stayed in a coma for 269
days, and died. His death was followed by wide public uproar, with hundreds of thousands of citizens flooding
the streets who in return received more police violence.
Berkin and his family were announced to be
“terrorists” by the Prime Minister, and the police officer who happened to shoot the gas canister was not
identified to this date. A few of the police officers who testified generally told “they did not remember what
happened” and no material result was reached upon legal proceedings regarding the case.
A CHILD CAN BE SHAPED JUST
AS EASILY AS A PIECE OF PAPER
All developed countries agree upon
the importance and priority of
education. The education systems in
all countries tend to target raising
conscious citizens and qualified labor
force. Education is not just an issue
of today; it rather designs the future.
In this reference frame, a sound basic
education process, which provides
children with literacy, critical
thinking, and lifelong learning skills
are required. Maximizing the
potential young generations, which is
the greatest source Turkey’s wealth,
depends on education of children and
youth in the best and most effective
way. The youth however turns to
religious education. The educations
they take decide on how they shape
in the future.
It is largely believed that Turkey sets up a model for the Middle
East. The number of students choosing religious schools over
traditional high school grounded in Western and secular coursework
has skyrocketed to 240,000 as it is said in Yeni Şafak, the famous
Islamist paper back in 2011. The sharp rise in the number of those
seeking a purely Islamist education follows the Turkish
government’s watering down of entrance requirements for
mainstream universities so that those without a basis in liberal arts
could qualify for Turkey’s top schools.
The only day dedicated to children in the world, International
Children’s Day, April 23rd, lays still in Turkey. This day raises
feelings of respect and honor in people and youngsters to the
founding father of the Turkish Republic, called Ataturk by people in
Turkey. People are still seeking ways to get a good education but it
is hard to ignore the number of people who shifted from secularist
education system to easily enable the business world as it stands out
Turkey is experiencing through a fundamental change from its
Western roots from which the education is made in Turkish, English
and several other Western languages into Middle Eastern languages
where mostly the population chooses Arabic over Turkish. Surely,
there is no better way than the people themselves to decide which
education is suited best for their child. However, without much
needed secularist education system, children are only left with the
choice of attending the religious schools which leave the children a
future designed by religion instead of free will.
ithin the religious education system, they are as lucky as the
secularist one. Whether it be religious or secularist education
system, the future here heavily relies on the children of future. A
Chinese proverb says; a child's life is like a piece of paper on which
every person leaves a mark. To raise children is to secure the life of
children.
Child Abuse in Numbers
Approximately five children die every
day.
One out of three girls and one out of
five boys are sexually abused before
they turn 18.
90 % of child sexual abuse victims
know the perpetrator in some way. 68 %
of children are abused by a family
member. 68 % of them will continue to
see the man or woman who abused him
or her once.
Most children become victims of abuse
and neglect at 18 months or younger.
In 2010, 1,537 children died of abuse or
neglect.
Boys (48.5 %) and girls (51.2 %)
become victims at nearly the same rate.
3.6 million cases of child abuse are
reported every year in the U.S. and the
number of children involved in these
reports is 6 million.
Abused and neglected children are 11
times more likely to engage in criminal
behavior as an adult.
About 80 percent of 21-year-olds who
were abused as children met the criteria
for at least one psychological disorder.
14 % of all men and 36 % of all women
in prison were abused as children.
PROTECTING OUR SHINING LIGHTS:
DON’T LET THEM BE PUT OFF!
STOP CHILD ABUSE!
Child abuse is unfortunately quite common in the world and in all cultures.
It might originate in the family, as a pattern of domestic violence, usually
stemming from family relations or problems, as well as from external
resources, outside of the family. Either case affects the child negatively in
serious and destructive ways, causes the child to experience post- traumatic
stress, as expressed best by the quotation below from an external site:
“Children who witness domestic violence in the home often believe that
they are to blame, live in a constant state of fear and are 15 times
more likely to be victims of child abuse. Close observation during an
interaction can alert providers to the need for further investigation and
intervention, such as dysfunctions in the physical, behavioral, emotional,
and social areas of life, and can aid in early intervention and assistance for
child victims.”
Doubtlessly the child abuse is not limited to specific societal conditions; but
there are definitely some traits that characterize with it. Children of
families that are of low income and educational backgrounds are
unfortunately much more prone to abuse as such. Increasing the level of
consciousness would definitely help but what is also very significant is
dissuasive sanctions by law.
Some facts on child abuse:
•A Michigan study of low-income pre-schoolers finds that children who have
been
exposed to family violence suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder,
such as bed-wetting or nightmares, and are at greater risk than their peers of
having allergies along with asthma, gastrointestinal problems, headaches and
flu.
•Children of mothers who experience prenatal physical domestic violence are
at an increased risk of exhibiting aggressive, anxious, depressed or
hyperactive behavior.
•Females who are exposed to their parents’ domestic violence as adolescents
are
significantly more likely to become victims of dating violence than daughters
of nonviolent parents.
•Children who experience childhood trauma, including witnessing incidents
of
domestic violence, are at a greater risk of having serious adult health
problems
including tobacco use, substance abuse, obesity, cancer, heart disease,
depression
and a higher risk for unintended pregnancy.
•Physical abuse during childhood increases the risk of future victimization
among women and the risk of future perpetration of abuse by men more
than two-fold.
Consequences of
witnessing domestic
violence on infants:
Excessive crying, screaming
Diarrhea
Digestive problems
Failure to thrive
Disrupted eating and sleeping
Frequent illness
Injuries while caught in the
crossfire
Irritability, sadness, anxiety
Weight loss
Attachment issues
Loss of appetite
Sleeping problems
Consequences of
witnessing domestic
violence on toddlers:
Insomnia/parasomnias
Lack feelings of safety
Regressive behaviors
Separation/stranger anxiety
Helping the Victims
While early intervention is one of the best ways to help, more measures
are needed to counteract the effects. Counseling at school by
educational professionals by not only traditional methods but also by
play therapy and peer support groups come at the top of the list.
Reintroducing trust into the child’s life with the help of a loving adult
is reported to be the single most important ingredient for the healing
process by the Family Violence Defense Fund.
UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE: CHILD PRODIGIES
April 23rd, the International Children's Day was gifted to millions of children by Mustafa Kemal
Ataturk; yet some children among them stand out:
“A child prodigy or wunderkind is someone who, at an early age, develops one or more skills at a
level far beyond the norm for their age”
How can a child prodigy be identified?
•General skills; memory capacity: fast learners with the ability of uninterrupted focus on specific
topics
HELPING CHILDHOOD DREAMS
•Special
COMEqualities;
TRUE:fine arts, sports, dancing, mathematics, etc. : Imaginative powers
•Inquisitorial; always asking questions about almost everything: contemplates extraordinary
ACADEMY OF DREAMS
concepts.
List of Some Child Prodigies
-İdil Biret: (born 21 November 1941,
Ankara, Turkey) is a Turkish concert
pianist, especially renowned for her
interpretations of the romantic repertoire.
Her career on music started when she was
2 years old and extended to her graduation
at the age of 15 with three prizes. Biret is
an internationally renowned pianist who
participated in the festivals of Berlin,
Montreal,
Istanbul,
Dubrovnik,
Montpellier, Nohant, Royan and Athens.
- Suna Kan: (born October 21, 1936, Adana,
Turkey) is a Turkish violinist who started
playing the instrument at the age of 5 and
gave her first public concerts when she was
only nine.
She studied with Gabriel
Bouillon at the Paris Conservatory and
graduated in 1952, winning the first prize.
- Pearl Chan Pui-yee: (born 2009, Hong Kong) At
the age of 5 she has recently gone through 11
international dance competitions in one day with
success.
- Jack Thomas Andraka: (born 1997, USA) He is
an inventor, scientist and cancer researcher who
received the 2012 Gordon E. Moore Award when
he was 15 years old for inventing a new method to
detect the lethal pancreatic cancer - the grand prize
of the Intel International Science and Engineering
Fair Award.
- Fabiano Luigi Caruana: (born 1992, Miami,
USA) He became the world’s youngest chess
grandmaster at the age of 14.
- Elise Tan Roberts: (UK) At the age of 2 Elise
Roberts’ IQ was measured to be 156, with a level
comparable to that of Einstein, which was 160.
She went verbal when she was only 5 months old;
started to walk three months later and was already
running when she was barely a year old.
- Aelita Andre : (born 2007, Australia) It took
Picasso years to become an artist, but for Australian
Aelita Andre, that kind of development and
inspiration came by naturally when she was barely
two years old in 2010.
EDUCATION BUT HOW?
Last December, in a world where 20% of the population is illiterate, the OECD has announced the PISA (Program
for International Student Assessment) report summarizing the results of a worldwide study examining the
scholastic performance of 15 year old students. In the study performed every three years the main and most
important conclusion is on Finland’s education system, being the runner up in the list of the most successful
education systems in the world. The conditions that led Finland and Finnish students to this success is rather
straightforward. The system is simplistic and focuses on core learning: there are neither a system of homework
and exam nor a hierarchy between the students and teachers, with special avoidance on memorizing, but rather
focusing on learning, with the freedom of studying in native languages. The system is also government subsidized,
covering tuition fees, meals and transportation in order to enhance the focus of students and families on pure
education. Foreign languages carry great significance, with a large percentage of the population being comfortable
with more than three languages.
Doubtlessly the most important factor lies in the sustainability facilitated by the unyielding support of the
government who deemed education always its basic policy in the country since years. While all others and
governances change, the education system and its policies have always remained the same.
FORGOTTEN TALE OF THE CHANGE
Once there was a child with a thick beard, thought to be much older than he is. He lived in fear and slept under the
shade not knowing or caring the life he was led. On day a man came with sparkly lights in his blue eyes and war at
the doorsteps of the beloved home; full of hopeful dreams instead of that common hateful roars. Cared for all and
begged for none, determined he was to fulfill one goal.
Cried and cried for longest nights, all the woman and children in town; only two endured from the tears sheltering
pain and pain alone. He ascended among the weak and stood straight to give everything to save and protect. That
man was the hero, the only one who sees the eye-blinding light of the corrupted and distorted unlike all.
One day the man who came in sorrow went grey in glory, after all the bloodshed ended and the world was fed up
with the vicious wave painting everywhere to dark, rotten red. He lived a life of battle with an overwhelming sense
of peace in his soul.
On that day when the man lost his breath to the aging nature of humanity, the hair on his face went away and the
child was as naked as a bright sunny day. He ruled with wisdom and courage with the touch of that one hero who
blessed him with everything he ever owned. As one bold man just like the savior himself was revealed, from the
dark skin of that strange beardy boy. Though he didn't age like this story which finally comes to an end after all.
APRIL 23RD, INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY
As, it is known the day is gifted to whole children who live around the world
Pick them out for celebrating their day because they have only one day in a year,
Reach and inform them about their date which is theirs only one day in a year,
It was my the most important day like each child when I was,
Lots of children, who live around the world, are waiting for celebrating their day.
Our great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk gave importance to them and gave a chance to celebrate a day
Forget all of your fears because they are our futures and in the future, they will have ability to change our lives.
There is only the day, once in a year.
We have to give our love to the whole children who live around world
Encourage them for celebrating their dates because today is their date,
Near, it is too near to make happy them if we remember our childhood,
There are lots of children who deserve to celebrate their date.
You can help them solve their problems if you really want
They have rights to live in a world peacefully where there are no wars
Hear their voices once more; don’t be afraid of them,
It shouldn’t be difficult to hear them and share their feelings
Really they need your help for filling in their blanks which are in their lives.
Don’t hit them, just listen to them.
Don’t try to annoy them because they have feelings like us
A day which is gifted to all children who live around the world by our great leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
You should accept that today is their day let them it, because they have only one day to celebrate in a whole year.
ROTARACT CHILDREN
Only for this special occasion the children of the Rotary and Rotaract family from all over the world have
introduced themselves!
BANGLADESH
ROTARACT CLUB OF CHITTAGONG LAKE CITY
Dear Rotaract Friends,
My name is Farzana Nusrat. I was born on the 5th of December, 2001. I am
studying science in Bakolia Girls High School in the 9th grade. My father is a
businessman and my mother is a housewife. I have two sisters and a brother. I
love singing, dancing, reading books and instant speech. My favorite author is
Humaiyun Ahmed. I am dreaming of being a computer engineer one day.
MEXICO
Hello Rotaract Friends,
My Name is Andrea Alejandra Morales Barrios, I am 4 years old
and I am a Mexican kid. My life in Mexico City is pretty fun! This
City is full of history, flavors, music, magic and friends. When I’m
alone I like playing like a teacher but what I like the most is ballet.
My mom takes me to classes every day after school and that makes
me feel like princes and in fact I play a lot to be one. I believe that
every child should feel like a princess or hero that will help us
achieve our dreams, even the dream of a better world by helping
each other like Rotaracts do.
Happy International Children's Day! I hope on this day every
Turkish kid has what is the most important to me: happiness, love
and why not also a big chocolate.
Best wishes from your Mexican friend and from all the Mexican
Rotaracts, may all days be a Children’s Day.
BULGARIA
ROTARACT CLUB OF PAZARDZHİK BESAPARA
This is Kaloyana Petkova. She's ten years old and she's in third
grade in the elementary school. She loves to read books, spend
time with her family and play the piano. Kaloyana is one really
happy child, she loves to dream big and she has an adventurous
spirit. Her favorite book is "The Monster from Loch Ness", but it
doesn't bother her to say out loud that one day she wants to be a
great lawyer just like her mother and father.
CANADA
ROTARACT CLUB OF BURNABY
Dear Rotaract Friends,
This is Mao Wei (Anna) Ting. She is 13 years old and is in the
7th grade. She is the only child of her family. She loves dancing
and listening to pop music. Her favorite colors are black and
blue, because she finds them cool and full of energy. Her
favorite food is spring rolls. She loves pandas because they are
cute and fat. She dreams of being a doctor in Canada. A random
fact about her: she likes doing her homework in the dark and she
is double – jointed.
INDIA
ROTARACT CLUB OF MUMBAİ MULUND SOUTH
“My dreams seemed distant, but I’ve started walking”.
Priya Gupta, 12 years old, was a girl who I met at a short film
screening that we had done on the occasion of Women’s Day
for the slums. At the end of the screening, we asked a very
simple yet no so simple a question to the children: What they
wanted to become when they grew up. This girl kept struggling
with her head and hands up, with that immense sparkle in her
eyes. We pointed out on her and she jumped saying, “Doctor! I
want to be a doctor!”. Later on, I took her aside and asked her,
“Why Doctor?” “I want to help the poor people who don’t have
money to get them treated. I want to work for them for free.” I
was stunned. “How would you earn your bread, then?”, I
asked. “I don’t care if I do or not but I won’t let poor people
like me, suffer.” I felt ashamed of myself that day. Of how
selfishly we keep dreaming and wanting to earn more and more
riches while we have so much and enough of it. And then, there
are kids like her. I took a stand. I started tutoring her. Unlike
other non-serious kids, her dedication inspired me. She came to
my place to study every day, with her torn notebook, her single
pair of everyday clothes, and this priceless dream in her eyes.
Her father is a very small roadside snack vendor. And she has 6
other siblings to share her part with, living across the slums in
my locality. She is in the 7th grade, and wants to give so much
to the society while she can’t even spell it. But she wouldn’t
move. She would do it, for the needy and keep inspiring people
like us each day. Struggling to learn and wanting to yearn. And
more than anybody, she knows she would. And it has begun. 
ETHIOPIA
ROTARACT CLUB OF ABUGİDA
A boy living in Missionary Charity Brothers
Binian Assefaw is a 13 year old boy living with the Missionary Charity
Brothers which was founded in 1984 in Ethiopia by the Mother Tereza
Organization for mentally challenged male children. Biniam doesn’t
know his biological parents and has spent his life thus far growing up in
the mission Biniam is one of the boys within the mission that can
participate in normal classes and is currently in grade 5. The mission
provides all the school materials needed by Biniam and requires him to
study hard to make the necessary grades.He dreams of completing his
education and becoming a professional doctor so that he can assist in
taking care of the health of the brothers at Missionary Charity Brothers
and other boys in the general public.
The hobbies of Biniam are listening to music, dancing and playing
football. The happiest times in his life are when outside groups like the
Rotaract Club of Abugida visit the Missionary Charity Brothers to assist
the challenged kid, play with them, share meals and gifts.
The most important things in life for Biniam are peace, love and family.
He states that because of the latter mentioned, he was able to grow up in
the Missionary Charity Brothers home and achieve all he has so far in
life. He desires love and peace for all humanity and that the world be one
big happy family.
RUSSIA
ROTARACT CLUB OF KRASNODAR
We decided to tell you about Mary Gladkay. Masha is
the daughter of a Rotarian, past president of
the Rotary Club of Krasnodar and the charter
president e-Rotary club Fedor Gladkiy who is in
Rotary Club since 2003. Masha is 6 years old now.
She was from birth in all the activities and projects
of our Rotary Club and therefore understands
and knows what Rotary is since her birth.
I asked a few question Masha and the result is here:
- Masha, tell me about your family.
- I live with my mom, dad and brother. I have
a grandmother, sister and nephews Danya and Xenia.
- What's the moms and dads profession? Who do
they work for?
- I do not know.
- Do you have pets?
-Yes, the dog Eddie. He is 2 years old. He lives
with us and I walk with him on the street. He's
big and black.
- What do you do in your spare time? What do you
love most?
- Drawing.
- And what you love to draw?
- Images, such as nature and animals. Today, the house will make beaded dolphin and then bring the
show.
- Who do you want to be in the future?
- Princess.
- When you become a princess, what will you do?
- I will command all people.
- Masha, and what's your favorite color?
- Purple, but for the clothes I prefer pink.
- Where do you do during the day? Are you going to the school or kindergarten?
- I go to a prep school. It's almost like school, only there's a lot of drawing. And I go along with
Danya. He's my nephew, but we agreed to say that we are brother and sister.
- What's your dream?
- I want to get two jobs. I'll be an inventor and artist. I want to learn flying an airplane.
- Masha, do you have friends?
- Yes, this is Dania. All the free time we spend together. We love to eat at the breaks in school. I love
chocolate and cakes. We had kneaded and sit on twine at house.