VILA VERDE (25 April) – In the April celebration, students from Vila Verde appeal for children’s rights

The School Groups of the Municipality of Vila Verde met, this morning, with the Municipal Executive for the Municipal Youth Assembly. The meeting, part of the celebrations of April 25, 1974, allowed young people to present problems and solutions they detected in their communities.

One by one, representatives from each cycle took the stage to present their work to the President.

The students were concerned about the environment, war and equality among all. To this end, they made reference to children’s rights, highlighting the right to play, family and school. The solutions include more green spaces and better conditions in school playgrounds.

They also highlighted the importance of combating violence against children and the need to welcome each other, despite their differences.

Food waste and recycling were also topics covered. At the end of each presentation, it was possible to ask questions to the Executive, which included: «Is it possible to install more playgrounds?», «What is your favorite animal?» and, also, if they like the positions they occupy and have time for other activities.

The Mayor, Júlia Fernandes, praised the children for their ability to detect problems. The teacher also highlighted that “they brought up an extraordinary topic, children’s rights”.

For the mayor, the right to play occupies an essential place. «Playing is a right as fundamental as family, home and school». As for suggestions, more daycare centers, more playgrounds and green spaces will be promised for “walking safely, with parents also at ease, knowing that they are protected”.

Júlia Fernandes also agreed that “being outdoors is needed” by the youngest. «We don’t want a child to lack any rights in Vila Verde, we want everyone to be happy», she assured. «Even because we want a municipality full of youth».

Finally, he also thanked “all the institutions in Vila Verde that take care of our children”.

A giant book and poems to celebrate April

The celebration also included the presentation of the book «Herdeiros de Abril». This is a «document with interventions from all schools in the municipality to be remembered», explains the Mayor.

It is a “giant book”, on paper, with a cover designed by the 12th G class at Escola Secundária de Vila Verde. When leafed through, each page features artistic expressions from each school in the municipality, as well as the Music Academy. The works, alluding to the 25th of April, are paintings, poems, drawings and collages.

Also, before starting, the prizes were awarded for the “April Poems” competition, carried out by the municipality’s Education service.

Each winning student took to the stage, reciting their piece. Júlia Fernandes congratulated «the more than 100 poems» in the competition, highlighting that «the jury, made up of children and adults, did not have an easy task» when deciding the prizes.

The moment also began with a performance of “Grândola Vila Morena”, by Zeca Afonso, by the Academia de Música de Vila Verde.

Also present on the Executive panel were Adriano Ramos (Councilman for Youth), Dr. Patrício Araújo (Councilman for the Environment, Sports and Civil Protection), Eng. Michele Alves (Councilman for Works), Dr. Manuel Lopes (Vice-President of the CM of Vila Verde) and, also, by the Opposition Councilors Esquível Gomes (PS) and Fernando Silva (Independent).

To liven up the session, the company MyPolis organized a game between the students and the Executive.

Each time a group presented itself, the Executive had cards with options to respond to the proposals (whether they agreed, whether it was not possible, whether they should organize better, among others).

In turn, the students presented cards to thank them (if the Executive’s response satisfied their concerns) and asked to discuss further the ideas they presented.

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