Millions of children die every year from malnutrition, disease and extreme forms of violence, exploitation and abuse. Millions more become victims of war, natural disasters and HIV/AIDS and face intergenerational cycles of disadvantage, impoverishment and vulnerability. These serious problems affect the entire global community and threaten everyone’s future, especially the most vulnerable, including children.

The definition of a child differs widely across cultures and perspectives, from viewing them as small adults or treasures to understanding them as vulnerable beings who need protection. There are even those who view children as a gift from God, endowed with purpose and the ability to know and worship him. Whatever the perspective, it is clear that children are very important to God and are part of His creative plan.

In fact, the Bible is full of stories that illustrate how God loves and cares for children. In the New Testament, Jesus often healed and ministered to children and gave them his blessing of salvation. Similarly, the early church emphasized the importance of children in their families and communities and encouraged them to grow in faith, honor their parents and contribute to their congregations.

Today, the world has come together to protect children from the horrors of armed conflict by condemning and mobilizing against the recruitment and use of children in armed forces and groups and supporting programmes that educate them on the risks of armed conflict. However, serious challenges remain for the protection of children and the prevention of violations of their rights.

One of the most challenging issues is how to teach children in a way that makes them feel involved and engaged. One of the best ways to do this is by listening to them and by giving them ownership. It is also important to be at their eye level when speaking to them and by joining in with their play. This enables you to build strong relationships with them and to learn about what they are enthusiastic about.

In order to understand the learning needs of students, teachers must understand their backgrounds and experiences. This will help them to develop effective teaching strategies. In addition, it is essential to make the lessons interesting so that students will be able to relate to them. This can be done by using different types of games, group work and guessing to encourage two-way communication.

Many of the challenges that children face are caused by a lack of awareness and understanding. This includes ignorance about child abuse and how to report it, as well as a fear of being seen as racist by those in charge. In addition, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the exploitation and abuse of children, such as poverty and poor living conditions. These are complex issues that require a concerted effort by all parties to prevent and protect children. This is why the United Nations, in partnership with NGOs, governments and local organizations, continues to sustain global commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.