“Children Should Enjoy Equality at Least on Their Day, April 23”

On the occasion of Children’s Day, on 23 April, bianet talked to some children playing football in Tophane park about what the day meant to them.

Third-grader Doğuş Özbayır (11), said, “I don’t swear on National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. I am a good boy, and read poetry or sing at the ceremony.”

What Doğuş likes most about the day is when the teacher says “well done” to him.

"All children should be able to take part"

Yılmaz (6) and Emre (5) do not go to school yet, but they remember games on the day. They want to start school as soon as possible to take part in the ceremonies.

Their friend Harun Macit (14), is in 7th grade. He thinks that the day should be used to help those who need material and psychological support. He also would like all children to be able to take part in the ceremonies at school.

Sixth-grader Semihcan Özkan (13) would like to meet his favourite footballer, Alex, whose name he has chosen as a nickname for himself.

“Alex” is happy with the entertainment on 23 April. The only thing that saddens him is that not all children can take part.

Some watch from afar...

Atilla Akçayır (10) does not go to school, but he too wants entertainment on the day, as well as free travel on the busses for children.

“Write that too, abi (older brother). They should not take money from us.”

Another child that does not go to school is Sezer Oriş (11), who works as a painter with his father. Today, he will also work.

“On the day, there should be entertainment for all children, and everyone should be able to take part. On every Children’s Day, even for a short time, I go to the school closest to me and watch the celebrations. I also want to read a poem at a ceremony one day.”

Sezer, a Beşiktaş fan, wants to become a footballer. He wants me to write down that he feels he is similar to Delgado, his favourite footballer.

To be mayor for one day!

Bilal Aksöz (14), a 7th-grader, says that it is a nice feeling that there is a holiday just for children.

“It is nice that there is entertainment for children, that they are listened to, even for one day.”

Bilal said he envied those children who, as a tradition, are allowed to sit in the seats of the politicians on the day. He would like to sit in the seat of Greater Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş.

And what would he say? His answer is ready, “I want all children to be equal…at least on 23 April.” (BÇ/AG)