All over the world, Children’s Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a mirror held up to society, asking how well we are nurturing, protecting, and preparing our children for the world they will inherit. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and renew our collective commitment to the next generation not just with words, but with action, vision, and intentional support. At Start-Rite Schools in Abuja, this reflection came to life on Friday 23 May 2025 in a celebration themed Carnival of Colours, a vivid expression of joy, creativity, and the brilliance of childhood.
Across the early years, primary, and secondary sections, the gathering was filled with music, movement, and meaning. In the secondary school in particular, every element of the Carnival of Colours was driven by the students themselves. From planning and coordination to stage performances, anchoring, and media coverage, students led the day with confidence and flair. The celebration became a platform for them to demonstrate not only their talents, but their capacity to organise, lead, and inspire.
This vibrant display speaks to the very heart of what Start-Rite Schools stands for. It is a learning environment where education goes beyond the classroom. It is a space where children are not only taught to excel in academics but to grow in voice, character, and vision. Here, students are trusted with real responsibility. They are encouraged to step forward, to create, and to lead.
Drawing from the reflection of the Advisory Board Chairman of Start-Rite Schools, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, SAN, “every child is a seed of promise. It is our sacred duty to cultivate their minds, guard their innocence, challenge their potential, and give them wings to fly. So Children’s Day is not just a day to celebrate joy and laughter, it is a reminder that every investment we make in a child’s education, safety, and wellbeing is an investment in a better world.”
Senator Ndoma-Egba’s vision for the school reflects a deep understanding of what it takes to raise a generation of empowered, ethical, and compassionate leaders, not tomorrow, but today.
Start-Rite Schools expresses this vision through programmes such as its mentor-mentee system, character development, global citizenship education, student leadership initiatives, and a culture of active feedback where students are reminded that their thoughts matter and their contributions count. They are not passive recipients of education. They are active participants in the school’s culture of learning and growth.
So, as Nigeria and indeed the world celebrate Children’s Day, Start-Rite Schools challenges us all to look beyond tokenism: the symbolic gestures that often replace genuine commitment. Hosting or entertaining children on special days is not enough; we must create communities where every child is empowered to dream, equipped to lead, and encouraged to rise. Because when children are given the right start, they do not just shine. They soar, and they light the path forward for us all.
WRITTEN BY START-RITE MEDIA UNIT