International Day of Families

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	International Day of Families 2011

Background

The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 47/237 of September 1993, proclaimed that 15 May of every year shall be observed as the International Day of Families. This Day brings out the significance of families as fundamental units of society and provides an opportunity for Governments, organisations and individuals to encourage knowledge of the troubles, strengths and needs of families.

Theme for the International Day of Families 2011

This year, the United Nations has retained the theme: "Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion" for the International Day of Families as a means to focus attention on the challenges faced by families living in poverty. At national level, the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare has retained the theme “La Famille – Source du Bonheur” as it underscores the importance of the family as an inclusive institution which mitigates vulnerability of the young and the elderly and provides avenues of escape from the cycle that tends to pass a condition of poverty from one generation to the next.

In October 2010, following the launching of the programme on Strengthening Values For Family Life, the Ministry in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Centre for Education in Human Values is implementing the programme in five localities namely Batimarais, Tombeau Bay, Vuillemin, Cité Borstal and Cité Mangalkhan. This programme comprises:

	Street Soccer Matches – a means to mobilise and encourage the youth to become privileged partners in community development and promotion of family values;
	Drama Competition – an innovative tool to disseminate messages on family values in the community;.
	Parents’ Appreciation Day – to promote family unity, create awareness of parents’ love for their children and instill the value of gratitude; and
	“Fresque Murale” Painting – to portray the concept of family values in the community with the involvement of the youth.

Activities for family Day 2011

1.	Family Day at Gymkhana Grounds ,Vacoas Sunday 15 May 2011
		In line with this Ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen family ties and as a culmination of the activities organised under the National Programme on Strengthening Values for Family Life in the five targeted regions, this Ministry, in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Vacoas/Phoenix and the Indian Ocean Centre for Education in Human Values, is organising a Family Day at the Gymkhana Grounds on Sunday 15 May 2011 from 1000 to 1700 hours. The purpose of the Family Day is to encourage families to participate collectively in a series of activities that would contribute towards family bonding. The activities to be organised during the family day are: • cultural programme by local artists representing the diverse cultures of Mauritius; • value-based activities; • final of the Best Couple Competition; • sketch on family values; • recreational activities for all members of the family; • Interactive Family Bonding Sessions; • Family Values Exhibitions; • Film Show on Education in Human Values amongst others. . .
2.	National Programme on Marriage Enrichment- Sunday 22 May 2011
		In accordance with the Ministry’s Plan of Activities for 2011, a National Programme on Marriage Enrichment will also be organised on Sunday 22 May 2011at Gold Crest Hotel,Quatre-Bornes . The purpose of the National Programme on Marriage Enrichment is to strengthen and promote understanding and respect among married couples. Resource Persons will provide insights to couples on topics, such as “Communication between Spouses”, “Family Budget” and “Conflict Management”.

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare

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