Turkish Embassy in Uganda host anniversary of Children's Day

By Hamza Kyeyune

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - The Turkish Embassy in Uganda hosted children on Saturday for a colorful celebration to commemorate the 104th anniversary of National Children's Day.

Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ak said Türkiye wants to see children everywhere with smiles on their faces. He said it is heartbreaking to know that it is extremely difficult to be a child in some parts of the world, especially in war-torn areas.

Eight-year-old Latife Mahinur Gökçe, who played ambassador, appealed for the improvement of sidewalk deficiencies in cities to improve the safety of pedestrians.

Uganda’s bustling capital, Kampala, has more than half of its population walking on foot, but sidewalks across the city are often lacking accessibility and safety.

Latife also said libraries should be established for children to do self-study, learning and socializing.

More parks need to be established for children because playing helps children develop physically and make new friends, she said.

“We want to support these projects,” she said “Pavements, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings need to be built where children can walk safely,” she said.

In 1924, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk designated April 23 a national holiday, dedicated to children, a gesture symbolizing Türkiye’s commitment to nurturing and cherishing the future of the nation.

Türkiye's unique recognition of the national celebration for children sets it apart as the first and only country in the world to do so.