World Teachers' Day is on October 5:

It's time to pay tribute to them

The United Nations' (UN) World Teachers' Day celebrates the role teachers play in providing quality education at all levels. This enables children and adults of all ages to learn to take part in and contribute to their local community and global society. Teachers are recognised for their contributions to society on World Teachers' Day which falls on October 5.

Various events are arranged in many countries around the world on or around October 5 and most of you too must have already made arrangements to pay tribute to all your teachers on this day,especially those who have left school.

It was on October 5, 1966, that the Special Intergovernmental Conference on the Status of Teachers in Paris, France, was closed and the "Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers" was signed by representatives of UNESCO and International Labour Organization. On October 12, 1997, the 29th session of UNESCO's General Conference was opened. During this conference, on November 11, 1997, the "Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel" was adopted.

On October 5, 1994, the first World Teachers' Day was held.

This event has been organized on the same date each year since then.

However, events may be held on some other date close to October 5, so that they do not fall during fall (northern hemisphere) or spring (southern hemisphere) school vacations.

In 2002, Canada Post issued a postage stamp to commemorate World Teachers' Day. Many schools in our country observe this special day on October 6.

Teachers are like second parents to us and it is very important that you respect and honour them for all their dedicated services to educate you and make you worthy members of society.

Many children today have little or no time to appreciate all the hard work put in by the teachers and tend to treat them in a very disrespectful manner.

Childcare centres under scrutiny

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Probation and Childcare Services Department (PCSD) has taken steps to crackdown on persons or social service organisations who operate unregistered childcare centres.

According to PSCD regulations, legal action will be taken against any children's home that is being operated without approval from the Probation and Childcare Department under the purview of Provincial Councils.

The PSCD statistics also reveal that 345 children's homes are legally operating in the country and nearly 65 children's homes are still being run by individuals and social service organisations without obtaining the legal approval from the authorities.

PSCD Commissioner, D.M.S. Abeygunawardana told the Junior Observer that Provincial Departments have also deployed officials to supervise all registered children's homes regularly to prevent children being victimised.

These officials will have to submit detailed reports of each children's home to their respective Provincial Department.

Meanwhile, Provincial Departments have also received applications from individuals and various social organisations intending to start children's homes in their respective areas. However, approval will be given only after considering the standard of the centre and also the qualifications of persons who will be in charge of such centres.

The Commissioner said whoever operates a childcare centre, should maintain the place according to guidelines given by the department. The PSCD also requests the general public to be vigilant about the welfare of children and complaint about cruelty, sex abuse, domestic violence, lack of care and protection for children to the PSCD on the following numbers 011285396 and 0112713039.

People could also direct their complaints to their respective Provincial Ministries.

World Animal Day is on October 4.:

Protect and love animals

Animals are definitely a very important part of the environment as well as our lives. So with all segments of society and our environment having special days designated to them it is only natural that animals too must be given their very own day to create an awareness about their rights and needs in this world.

World Animal Day which is observed on October 4 is a day which is entirely dedicated to the animals in all forms. On this day unique events are organised in different parts of the world.

The reason October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day is because it is the feast date of Francis of Assisi, the supporter saint of the animals and nature lover.A large number of churches throughout the globe observe Sunday nearest to October 4, (World Animal Day) with blessings for animals. However, it is not just limited to the celebrations of the Christian saint as today the entire world celebrates World Animal Day holding various events to focus attention on animal needs and rights.

The rescue shelters for the animals abroad hold open days and fundraising events while groups of wildlife lovers arrange information displays.

Many schools too undertake various project work which is related to animals.

World Animal Day is important to awaken the minds of the general public about the important role animals play in the continuity of this planet.

They are a part of the eco system and this day is ideal to appreciate and celebrate the relationship human beings have with animals who share our Earth.

We must learn to value the different ways in which animals enhance our lives.

What can you do to help at least one single dumb friend, especially a cat or a dog roaming the streets or languishing in a shelter, an animal being taken to the slaughter house or even a domestic animal being subjected to cruelty? Think about it.Animals are innocent creatures and need our help most often.