The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) will spearhead the 9th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week on November 22-28, 2020 with the theme “Karapatan ng Bawat Bata sa Panahon ng Pandemya Siguruhin, Pagpapatupad ng Juvenile Justice Law Paigtingin”.
This year’s celebration aims to increase awareness of stakeholders on the issue of children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL) and the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA), engage the participation of children and youth to the lined-up activities, and to generate support among duty-bearers and other stakeholders in the campaign for the full implementation of the law.
The JJWeek coincides with the National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration. For its 28th year, the NCM’s theme is “Sama-Samang Itaguyod ang Karapatan ng Bawat Bata sa Panahon ng Pandemya!” in which JJWC based its theme to contribute to achieving the thematic focus of Protection Rights of Children.
Among its activities for the week-long celebration are:
Virtual Press Briefing. This will be the kick-off activity on November 23. The activity aims to share JJWC’s lined-up activities, accomplishments for the year, and plans to ensure the full implementation of the law amidst the pandemic.
Orientation/Webinar on Diversion on November 26. This aims to improve the level of understanding and appreciation of concerned duty-bearers on diversion. Topics to be discussed are the basics of Diversion, salient points of the Diversion Toolkit, and the sharing of good practices on Diversion.
Culminating Activity on November 27. To conclude the weeklong celebration, JJWC will be awarding the winners of its Sabayang Pagbigkas Contest and Photo Essay Contest. Winners will be receiving plaque of appreciation and cash prizes that they can used for their education and personal needs.
The Sabayang Pagbigkas Contest is open to all CAR and CICL residents ages 12 to 21 years old of Bahay Pag-Asa, Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, and other youth-care facilities nationwide.
It aims to increase awareness of stakeholders on the concerns of CAR and CICL and the implementation of the JJWA by providing an opportunity for children and youth to voice out their requests and stories of hope.
The literary piece to be used in the contest must be in Filipino, written or composed by the group, and should focus on the 9th JJWeek theme.
On the other hand, the Photo Essay Contest is open to all Filipino children, ages 15-17 years old who are enrolled in any public or private schools and alternative learning system (ALS) centers within the Philippines.
It aims to engage the participation of children to promote appreciation of activities or dynamics within the household while complying with the community quarantine protocols and to increase awareness on child protection and positive parenting.
The theme of the contest is centered on “Child Protection and Positive Parenting amidst the COVID 19 Pandemic” which should be captured in a photo story format. As JJWC celebrates its 9th JJWeek, it will continue to ensure that the rights and welfare of children are protected.
