WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The vibrant spirit of National Children’s Day at Sheffield Primary School reached new heights recently, when members of the Beaches Negril Resort and Spa (BNG) team brought an abundance of joy and excitement to the students.

The day’s celebrations, organised in honour of Child Month, was observed under the theme ‘Stand Up, Speak Out and Protect the Rights of the Child’.

The BNG team, armed with sweet treats and one-of-a-kind entertainment, was met with cheers and wide smiles, transforming the classroom into a playground of laughter and excitement.

In addition, guests and the Sheffield Primary community were treated with a poem from Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) festival finalist Korah-Lee Brown and a special dance routine from members of the student cohort.

Still, emphasis was placed on the observance of National Children’s Day theme, as students were encouraged to speak up for themselves, and speak out about any unacceptable behaviour they have encountered or witnessed.

Dr Vinnette Malcolm, the school’s principal, said it is imperative to speak life into children as they are the next generation of leaders.

“At Sheffield Primary we believe our students are very important. That is why we found it imperative to celebrate the children today because they are the future. We want them to know that they are truly special and we wanted them to enjoy the day,” Malcolm said.

Aaliyah Cunningham, regional public Relations manager at Beaches Negril Resort and Spa, noted that it is crucial to come together to support the development of youth and foster an environment where they feel valued.

“We want to encourage our children to raise their voices. The special treat also highlighted the community spirit and BNG’s commitment to nurturing local connections and spreading happiness among the nation’s youth,” Cunningham noted.

Child Month, which began on May 1, is a period of raising awareness and advocating for the rights and protection of children in Jamaica.