**DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVES AND PARTNERS OF THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER,
RESPECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SPONSORING COMPANIES SUPPORTING THE FIRST CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL “EMBRACING THE FUTURE,”
DEAR PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND ALL PRESENT HERE WITH THESE WONDERFUL BOYS AND GIRLS:**
It brings me great joy to address you today as we come together to commemorate the Day of the African Child, which we will officially observe tomorrow, June 16.
The phrase, “To children, everything they deserve,” serves as a constant reminder of our duty as adults to prioritize their well-being.
In line with this principle, the Ministry of Energy and Water, as part of its commitment to social responsibility, is proud to support the organization of this festival, aptly named “Embracing the Future.” This initiative seeks to foster unity among parents, children, caregivers, and employees within our sector in an atmosphere of learning and enjoyment.
Reflecting on our own childhoods and the adults we have become, we must express gratitude to our parents, who, despite difficult circumstances, laid the groundwork for our success today.
Now, it falls upon us to nurture these boys and girls, ensuring their spiritual and material welfare, as we uphold the 11 Rights of the Child established by the Government of Angola in 2007. These rights include access to nutrition, birth registration, early education, primary schooling, vocational training, and safeguards such as juvenile justice, protection from violence, and social and family support systems.
DEAR CAREGIVERS AND EDUCATORS,
Your role is crucial. We must closely guide these children’s growth to help shape their academic, vocational, and professional paths. As the saying goes, “The tree is bent while still young.”
To the young ones here, let me ask:
What do you dream of becoming in the future?
Electrical technicians?
Water technicians?
As the head of the energy and water sectors, I deeply hope many of you will one day become professionals in these fields. Your efforts will help maintain and expand the essential infrastructures that power and supply our country—dams, transmission lines, production facilities, and many other critical elements in the energy and water industries.
It is a privilege to have the renowned musician Maya Cool, a beloved figure in children’s music, join us in celebrating this festive occasion.
As I close, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the event organizer, Celso Mambo, the talented animation team, Clown Tawas, musician Neru Americano, and the dedicated leaders and technicians of our sector for their contributions.
A special thanks also goes to our sponsoring companies—PRODEL, RNT, ENDE, EPAL, K Business, ENG Consult, and DAR—for their generous support.
Finally, my sincerest gratitude to all the children and their guardians for being part of this event.
Thank you, everyone!