ATHENS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Children around Greece took part in activities, free events, shows and workshops to celebrate World Children's Day on Tuesday.
In Greece this year's celebration is important, as the country is leaving the financial crisis behind and the local government, the civil society organizations and people are feeling ready to commit to a long-term national plan for the respect of children's rights.
Greece emerged this summer from its third and last bailout program after years of austerity.
"Greece supports the family and guarantees the rights of all children living and growing in the country. Not only because it has a moral obligation, but because it ensures the future," Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in his e-mailed message.
According to his statement, 153,000 students are fed daily in schools through the institution of school meals, families are supported through the 6-month special maternity leave, and the Child Benefit already benefits 900,000 families, 100,000 more than last year.
Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos also noted during a special ceremony held at the presidential palace in Athens on Tuesday that "A state shows its culture to the utmost, when it adopts the right behaviour towards children."
As part of the celebration for the World Children's Day, 7 public museums and 14 supervised entities of the Ministry of Culture and Sport participated in guided tours, screenings, workshops and visual actions for refugee children, people with disabilities, Roma children and students from all levels of education.
World Children's Day was established in 1954 and is celebrated on Nov. 20 each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.
