Children’s Minister Sam Mézec has revealed plans to hold the first annual Children’s Day on 3 July 2020.
Tomorrow, 3 July, marks two years since the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry panel presented its report into the abuse of children in the island’s care system.
One of the eight recommendations was that Jersey should find a way to acknowledge the children and young people who were failed by the island’s child care system.
An independent citizens’ panel was commissioned in 2018 to develop preferred options for a memorial. The panel recommended a four-part legacy which included using this date in July as a way of remembering the past and looking forward to the future.
In the States, Senator Mézec praised the work of the Citizens’ Panel, who have been working alongside the Government of Jersey since last summer, and has invited young people to enter a competition to help design the emblem for Jersey Children’s Day.
A competition has been opened today to all children and young people under 19 who are of secondary school age to design a symbol or logo which represents the aims of Children’s Day.
The emblem designs should be related to a butterfly or butterflies and communicate ideas related to:
• the importance of recognising every child and young person’s full potential
• feeling safe and being able to express yourself
• enjoying life to the full
• learning to cope with change
• feeling supported to try new things and succeed
• a good sense of freedom.
The winner will be awarded a £200 voucher and invited to work with a professional graphic designer to see their winning idea developed into the emblem for Jersey Children’s Day and the other elements of the legacy project recommended by the Citizens’ Panel.
The competition runs until 31 July and the winning design is expected to be announced in the autumn.
For more details about the competition please see www.gov.je/carememorial
