The recognition of children as subjects of rights was the central theme of the celebration of the Day of Prayer and Action for Children in the La Comuna neighborhood of Quito. In the Catholic Institution Children of Maria, all of the students prayed for their welfare and for the blessings received, in a special program implemented by GNRC-Ecuador with the support of DNI-Ecuador.

With the older children, the event was complemented with an exposition by Alejandra Morales, an expert from DNI on the Convention. Her presentation brought more than one laugh and applause among the children who, internalized on their rights by means of dialog, images and short stories.

In preparation for this celebration and with great enthusiasm, a group of children prepared drawings on the theme, “I have the right to:” that were shown during the event. The paintings were appreciated with great curiosity by all of the students.

Ana María Sánchez reminded the children that hand in hand with their rights are their obligations. “Trying to make them aware of their obligations at all times is important for their lives”, she expressed. 

Together with the academic director of the institution, Ms. Amparo Burgos, 54 red carnations, symbolizing the 54 articles of the Convention, were laid in the chapel, with a special petition that the Convention become a reality for all boys and girls of the world.

The representative of the Episcopal church of Ecuador – Central Dioceses of the Anglican communion, Nancy Llumiguano, guided the children in a prayer, evoking the inherent virtues of children, followed by a minute of silence.

“we expect that the official launching of the Day of Prayer in 2009 will be accepted with joy and commitment, by all of the persons of faith, with the convincement that small actions can generate great changes in Humanity.” These were the wishes of María Elena Rivera one of the coordinators of the event. 
“This has been a gratifying experience for work with GNRC” commented Selene Diaz volunteer of FOCSIV working for the Global Network of Religions for Children during 2008-2009. 

Coordinators of the event from the left: Alejandra Morales,
Nancy Llumiguano, Mª Elena Rivera, Ana Sanchéz, Selene Díaz. 
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