J’cans donned in yellow show love on Children’s Day
Published:Saturday | May 17, 2025 | 12:05 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
Yesterday, across Jamaica, schools, communities, and families came together dressed vibrantly in sunshine yellow to celebrate National Children’s Day, a tradition now observed every third Friday in May.
Spearheaded by the National Child Month Committee (NCMC), the day was appointed out of a deep desire to fill every Jamaican child with love and maximise their potentiality.
While reflecting, Dr Pauline Mullings, chair emeritus of the NCMC, reflected on how this meaningful day emerged, dating back nearly 15 years.
“In 2012, myself and another member of the NCMC went to the governor general and told him how we feel, that the same way we have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Teachers’ Day and Nurses’ Day, that our children deserve a national day that will be recognised by all annually,” Mullings explained. “He declared it officially that every third Friday in May going forward should be and must be celebrated in Jamaica as National Children’s Day.”
But, why a Friday?
“We thought that if we chose a Friday, the schools will be involved... the school will take on that role and so the school will celebrate the children on this day.”
Across schools yesterday, the colour yellow breathed life into the learning environment.
“Yellow, it represents the sunshine that we believe is in the hearts of our children. We believe that they will shine,” said Mullings.
Children were gifted with special packages which Mullings said were a thoughtful mixture of fun and nutrition.
“It’s a little love gift with little treats like Cheese Trix and popcorn,” she said, also highlighting the health policies in schools. “We make sure to put a healthy snack like ripe bananas and the healthy juice in it… . We give them water bottles. We don’t want our children to be obese, so we try to balance what we give them.”
MORE THAN JUST A COLOUR
The older children also got armbands while the younger children got stickers. Mullings was grateful to sponsors such as GraceKennedy, National Baking Company Foundation, Burger King, and Scotiabank, all of which made the gifts possible.
For Mullings, the day carries a deeper meaning than just wearing a colour and treating the children.
“On the third Friday annually, every adult must wear yellow... . We wear yellow as adults because when we wear yellow today, we say we love our children.”
She urged Jamaicans not only to celebrate, but to reflect and pray.
“Some are neglected, some are lacking in love, some have been raped, some have been maltreated... . And we just want to remember them in prayer.”
Children like 15-year-old Malachi Moodie, a Kingston College student, said they felt seen yesterday.
“It feels nice knowing that... they have a whole day for us so that we can relax and do something for ourselves. And be appreciated,” he said. “It gives me a little boost today,” he said while anticipating his standardised history exam which he sat yesterday.
Moodie added that, while he didn’t always think of Children’s Day as a real holiday, this year felt different.
“It’s like when you give your mother a present... just like somebody else gives you a present... . It builds up happiness and confidence.”
WONDERFUL FEELING
Meanwhile, Davia Bailey and Gershawnna Daley, two young girls on their way to Mona High School, were delighted by the treats and recognition.
“It’s a wonderful feeling,” said Daley.
Bailey shared, “We feel good because we know our parents are going to treat us too. We feel amazing.”
Bailey recalled a special memory.
“My mother normally brings me to go buy me some fast food, ice cream and cake. I remember one time she bought me pizza. I love it in Child Month.”
Their joy showed why initiatives such as the Children’s Day treat matter.
“When I’m at school, sometimes I’m hungry,” said Bailey.
“We will eat it for break and put money in our pockets,” Daley added.
Annette Tulloch Sinclair, grandmother of Raenesmae Priestley, also expressed her appreciation.
“I feel excited about this day. Child Month always puts out the best,” she said. “And it always makes the children feel special on this day. Give them a good little balanced diet. I hope for them all the best and for God to continue to bless them.”
For Mullings, even a simple gift can offer healing, especially for children who suffer at home.
“They feel somebody cares. ‘My mother didn’t really care about me... . She just beat me this morning when I didn’t really do anything. But here is somebody who gave me a hug. Here is somebody who put a sticker on me that says you’re special, happy Children’s Day. Here is somebody who gave me a bag with some stuff...’. It means a lot to them.
“Sometimes when you hug these children, there are some of them who don’t want to let you go,” she said. “Because we know they’re sad, somebody made them sad. And who is that somebody? Trust me, it’s an adult.”