RESPECTED REPRESENTATIVES AND PARTNERS OF THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER,
DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SPONSORING COMPANIES OF THE INAUGURAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL “EMBRACING THE FUTURE,”
DEAR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF THESE AMAZING BOYS AND GIRLS:
It is with great joy that I stand before you today to commemorate the Day of the African Child, which we will celebrate tomorrow, June 16.
The phrase “To children, everything they deserve” serves as a timeless reminder of the responsibilities we hold as adults.
In alignment with this principle, the Ministry of Energy and Water, embracing its social responsibility, is proud to support and organize this festival, “Embracing the Future.” This event is designed to bring together parents, children, guardians, and the dedicated workforce of our sector in an environment that is both engaging and educational.
Reflecting on our own childhoods, we owe immense gratitude to our parents, who, despite facing difficulties, laid the foundation for us to grow into the individuals we are today.
It is now our duty to nurture these children, ensuring their spiritual and physical well-being. By doing so, we uphold the 11 Rights of the Child, established by the Government of Angola in 2007. These include rights related to survival, food security, birth registration, early childhood education, primary schooling, vocational training, juvenile justice, protection against HIV/AIDS and violence, social welfare, and the promotion of family competencies.
DEAR EDUCATORS AND CAREGIVERS,
Let us redouble our efforts to support these children in their development, providing them with guidance for their vocational, academic, and professional futures. As the old saying wisely states, “It is while they are young that the cucumber is shaped.”
To our young friends here today, let me ask:
What do you dream of becoming in the future?
- Electrical technicians?
- Water system experts?
As someone leading the electricity and water sectors, it is my sincere wish that many of these children grow up to become professionals in these fields. They would be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of existing and forthcoming infrastructure across the country—whether it be dams, electrical transmission lines, production facilities for electricity and water, or even in commerce. These roles are essential to the ongoing growth and success of Angola’s energy and water sectors.
I am delighted to share that today’s festivities are further enriched by the presence of the esteemed musician Maya Cool, a cherished figure in children’s music in our country.
In closing, I extend my deepest thanks to the event’s organizer, Celso Mambo, as well as the animation team, Clown Tawas, musician Neru Americano, and all the leaders and technicians from our sector for their dedicated efforts.
Special thanks also go to the sponsoring companies—PRODEL, RNT, ENDE, EPAL, K Business, ENG Consult, and DAR—for their invaluable support.
Finally, my heartfelt appreciation goes to the children and their guardians for honoring us with their presence today.
Thank you all!
