**Dear Representatives and Collaborators of the Ministry of Energy and Water;
Distinguished Representatives of the Sponsoring Companies of the First Children’s Festival “Embracing the Future”;
Dear Parents and Guardians of these Wonderful Children Present Here,**
It is with great joy that I stand before you today to celebrate the upcoming Day of the African Child, which will be observed tomorrow, June 16.
The phrase “To children, everything they deserve” is a powerful reminder that we, as adults, must always prioritize the needs and well-being of children.
In this spirit, the Ministry of Energy and Water, as part of its social responsibility, proudly supports the organization of this event, “Embracing the Future,” which aims to bring together parents, children, guardians, and the entire workforce of our sector in a fun and educational atmosphere.
As we reflect on our own childhoods and the adults we have become, we owe a deep gratitude to our parents, who, even in difficult circumstances, laid the foundation for us to become who we are today.
It is our duty to care for these children, offering our best efforts to ensure their spiritual and material well-being, and to uphold the 11 Rights of the Child as outlined by the Government of Angola in 2007. These rights include child survival, food security, nutrition, birth registration, early childhood education, primary education, vocational training, juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS prevention, protection from violence, social protection, and family competence.
Dear Educators of these Children,
We must intensify our efforts to guide their development and provide the best support for their academic, vocational, and professional growth. As the saying goes, “It is when they are young that the cucumber is shaped.”
Now, I ask you, dear children, what would you like to be when you grow up?
Electrical technicians?
Water technicians?
As the head of the electricity and water sectors, my greatest wish is for many of these children to become professionals in electricity and water, contributing to the operation and maintenance of our country’s infrastructure—such as dams, power lines, electricity and water production facilities, and commercialization—thus playing a vital role in the development of the energy and water industries.
It is truly an honor to have renowned musician Maya Cool, a leading figure in children’s music in our country, join us in this celebration of friendship and joy.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the event organizer, Celso Mambo, the animation team, Clown Tawas, musician Neru Americano, and the leaders and technicians of the sector for their dedication.
I am also deeply grateful to the sponsoring companies—PRODEL, RNT, ENDE, EPAL, K Business, ENG Consult, and DAR.
And, of course, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the children and their guardians for accepting our invitation.
Thank you very much!
