JANUARY 11: THAILAND CELEBRATES CHILDREN'S DAY

On the eve of Thailand's children's day, which is celebrated on the second Saturday of January every year, Wallop Tangkanannurak, chairman of the Senate Committee on Women, Youth, and Elderly, and Aranya Sujnil, the committee member appealed to the government to fight against drugs and pornography and improve child protective services.

Mr. Aranya Sujnil, said the committee felt this year's Children's Day gifts should include the expansion of the social order campaign to cover a crack down on pornographic contents in the print media, radio and television.

Narcotics suppression in schools must also be given priority. The government should also enhance support on children's welfare protection in the provinces. Educational opportunities for the underprivileged must be promoted as well, she said.
Mr Wallop, a children's welfare advocate, said drugs, physical brutality, flesh trade and abandonment were the most pressing problems affecting the children in Thailand today and the government should pledge to fight against these violations on children's day.

JANUARY 09: PAKISTAN CELEBRATES NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY

Pakistan celebrates National Children's Day on Thursday, January 09 2003, the birth anniversary of the late Hakim Mohammad Said , in recognition of his services for the country in general and the children in particular.

Hakim Mohammad Said's contribution to children started with a monthly magazine called "Hamdard Naunehal".
The commitment continued for half a century throughout his life and included the initiation of the children's assemblies to provide them with an opportunity to develop self-confidence and leadership qualities.

He also set up of the children's health conference, which coincides with WHO's World health day, and 'Madinat-al-Hikmah', a city of education, science and culture, and a series of educational institutions starting with Hamdard Public School and going up to the Hamdard University.