**RESPECTED REPRESENTATIVES AND COLLEAGUES FROM THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER,
DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SPONSORING COMPANIES OF THE INAUGURAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL “EMBRACING THE FUTURE,”
DEAR PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND CAREGIVERS OF THESE AMAZING BOYS AND GIRLS GATHERED HERE:**
It is with great joy that I speak to you today as we come together to honor the Day of the African Child, observed tomorrow, June 16.
The phrase, “To children, everything they deserve,” is a timeless reminder that should always resonate deeply with us as adults.
In line with this ethos, the Ministry of Energy and Water proudly takes part in this initiative, embracing our social responsibility by supporting this event, aptly named “Embracing the Future.” The festival seeks to bring parents, children, guardians, and our dedicated workforce together in a vibrant, educational, and joyful setting.
As adults who were once children, we owe gratitude to our parents. Despite their challenges, they laid the foundations for us to grow into the individuals we are today.
Now, it is our turn to ensure the well-being—both spiritual and material—of these boys and girls, fulfilling the 11 Rights of the Child as adopted by the Government of Angola in 2007. These rights span crucial areas such as child survival, nutrition and food security, birth registration, early childhood and primary education, vocational training, juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS prevention, protection from violence, social security, and the development of family competence.
DEAR EDUCATORS AND CAREGIVERS,
We must renew our efforts and remain vigilant in guiding these children through their growth, ensuring they receive proper academic, vocational, and professional direction. As the old saying wisely teaches us, “It is in youth that character is shaped.”
To our young friends here today, let me ask you:
What do you dream of becoming in the future?
- An electrical technician?
- A water specialist?
As the leader of the electricity and water sectors, my greatest aspiration is to see many of these children grow into professionals in these fields. Their work will sustain and advance the operation and maintenance of vital infrastructure, including dams, electrical transmission lines, water and energy production facilities, and many other crucial elements that drive the energy and water industries across the nation.
It is truly heartwarming to welcome the renowned musician Maya Cool, a cherished figure in children’s music in our country, to this joyous celebration.
As I conclude, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the event’s organizer, Celso Mambo, the animation team, Clown Tawas, musician Neru Americano, and all the dedicated leaders and technicians from our sector for their unwavering commitment.
I also express my sincere gratitude to the sponsoring companies—PRODEL, RNT, ENDE, EPAL, K Business, ENG Consult, and DAR—for their generous support.
Lastly, I deeply thank all the children and their guardians for honoring us with their presence at this event.
Thank you all!
