After the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in November 1989, the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries choose a day to promote children’s welfare.  Henceforth, since its adoption by the United Nations, the Convention has been signed or ratified by more countries than any other international treaty.

Today, as we celebrate the National Children’s Month this October, we are reminded of the growing recognition of children as important and valued members of society, now and in the future. According to the National Statistics Office (NSO) survey done last 2005, children comprise over 43% of our population, or approximately 37 million. These figures translate to more than 1.1 million children entering SM Supermalls each and every day. Hence, in order to effectively protect and ensure the safety of children, SM Supermalls together with UNICEF, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education and SM Foundation, has launched a child friendly program aptly titled ‘It’s a Kid’S Mall World.’

To fully understand the needs and rights of a child, SM Mall Managers, employees, tenants, security guards and janitorial personnel attended an orientation seminar where Atty. Mary Grace Agcaoili, representing UNICEF, started off by sharing the UN Convention’s 54 articles which encompasses a child’s rights to live, to be free from exploitation, a right to education, leisure, health care and economic opportunity. DSWD Asst. Sec. Ruel Lucentales, later discussed the necessities of social protection, followed by Col. Idel Brandi Usana, representing PNP, who tackled preventive security for children. Finally, Director Elena Caraballo of CWC, expounded further on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes both basic and additional human rights for the youth and children under the age of 18.
 

They also shared on its relevance with shopping malls, as stated in Article 3 of the Declaration, ‘everyone should undertake to ensure that child protection and care is necessary for his or her well-being’ while Article 31 states that ‘everyone should recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child…’

Hence, in line with the observance of these rights, the SM Supermalls have improved various child friendly facilities and signage reminders around the mall to further promote safety and enhance a child’s experience inside the Mall. Waterless kiddie urinals have been installed together with baby diaper changers inside Mall comfort rooms. Handicapped children requiring assistance in the use of comfort rooms can just press the buzzer/chimes located near the door. Similarly, payphones are made accessible to them and soon to follow, lower drinking fountains in various establishments. Breastfeeding stations are likewise available for infants to feed in a clean and comfortable private area, while toddlers can use kiddie carts, to make malling both convenient and enjoyable for the whole family. The Mall also offers various specialized children’s shops and services such as a kid’s salon and dental clinic, infant boutiques, children’s bookstore library and numerous ‘edutainment’ play centers which create a fun and learning environment for children of all ages.

In addition, the Malls have prepared a month long calendar of kid’s activities such as children’s film and puppet shows, celebrity and/or mascot appearances, balloon twisting, face painting, storytelling, and several other ways for the family to celebrate children’s month this October. You may vist your nearest SM Supermalls for the latest schedule of activities.

DATE
ACTIVITY
BRIEF

Oct. 01-15
Children’s Photo Contest
Take pictures of children’s smiling faces and submit your entry to any SM Mall, with total cash prizes amounting to Php60,000.00.

All Saturdays and Sundays of Oct.
Cartoon Network Theater
An SM Cinema exclusive feature of ‘never seen before’ content from Cartoon Network. Log on to www.smcinema.com

from Oct.11 onwards
Make A Child Happy
(Note: 3 mall tours for Oct.)

Let us join SM Foundation in this very fulfilling and fun-filled activity, as they bring joy to 3,000 children, across all SM malls.

Oct. 16-30
Search for Miss Ice Princess
Open to all skaters ages 6-10 years old. Screening and registration @ SM Megamall

Oct. 20
Grand Finals

Search for SM Little Stars
Participated by kids ages 3-6 years old across all SM malls. Grand Finals to be held @ SM Mall of Asia

Oct. 30 to Nov. 4
SM Supermalls: Pre-Holiday Specials!
Buy your Halloween party outfit/decor or even Christmas presents for your children… NOW!

Oct. 31
Trick or Treat at the Malls
Come in your favorite costume and get pails of treats from participating stores nationwide.

Oct. 31
Monsters Masquerade: Costume Ball Contest
Open to kids ages 3-8 years old. 5 male & 5 female contestants (per mall) shall win P3,000.00 (GCs) each.

Whole month of October
‘Fashion Finds for Kids’ at the SM Dept. Store
SM Department Stores are giving as much as 50% OFF on children’s items, with FREE great gifts!

However, aside from just providing children with fun and entertainment, the SM Supermalls also looks out for a child’s future and educational welfare through the many successful projects of the SM Foundation. The SM College Scholarship program has produced more than 800 college graduates in the fields of engineering, computer and information technology, accounting and the academe. More than 15 SM Schoolhouses have also been donated in addition to the 2.5 million books distributed to 10,000 reading centers, public schools and barangay libraries nationwide. In line with this month’s activities, the Foundation is spearheading ‘Make a Child Happy,’ which aims to bring joy to 3,000 children across all SM Malls nationwide. On the other hand, in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children, a children’s information and help desk will teach more of Children’s Rights and other ways to improve their lives both physically, mentally and emotionally. This will also be available at SM Malls every Friday for the month of October.

This month, we take our cue from the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Presidential Decree 603, Article I. ‘The child is one of the most important asset of our nation. Every effort should be exerted to promote their welfare and enhance their opportunities for a useful and happy life.’ Thus, as we jointly take this initative, children are empowered, as they are equipped and enriched with the knowledge, discipline and values, in their journey towards realizing their potentials and achieving their dreams. We are reminded that children need love and respect to grow to their full potential. There should always be time to listen, to marvel at their uniqueness and inquisitive minds, as children are special creations of God. This October, let us all do our share in trying to make this a better and safer world for everybody, by making it a truly child friendly world — a kid’s world.