Opinion Column: “Let every day be Children’s Day”.

This August, as we celebrate Children’s Day, we would like to invite you to reflect deeply: what do children need to grow and develop to their full potential? The answer is clear: support, presence and, above all, accompaniment. This support comes not only from their parents and caregivers, but from all adults who, in some way, have an impact on their lives.

Learning, whether academic or extracurricular, designed and guided by trained monitors, has the power to transform lives. But this process is not only about teaching an activity, but also about forming relationships, generating bonds and accompanying each child in his or her integral development. Behind their well-being, it is necessary that adults not only facilitate the activities, but also know and apply social-emotional learning techniques, supported by continuous training.

The evidence confirms it: quality programs that generate affective bonds and safe environments can change the destiny of children, especially in vulnerable contexts. And it is urgent. In Chile, among students from 7th grade to 3rd grade, 25% have a high probability of developing depression; 39% have suffered psychological violence, and 1 in 3 has been a victim of peer violence (ENPV 2023).

It is crucial that as a society we not only focus on schooling, but also on providing the necessary tools for our children to learn to connect in a healthy way with the world. This includes teaching them to identify and manage their emotions, thus preparing them to face life’s adversities with resilience.

Investing in the socioemotional development of early childhood, and in the adults who accompany our children, is not only an urgent need, but a commitment to a more empathetic, resilient and confident society. Because when we care for our children, we are ensuring the future of our country.