The annual celebration of El Día de los Niños originated from the Latino community and is now a special day for all children. On April 30^th every year many nations throughout the world celebrate Día de los Niños to honor and celebrate the children who represent the future of each and every society.

In the United States, a growing number of community organizations are embracing this celebration by celebrating the children in their community through activities or events that:

• are child centered and fun
• inspire confidence and determination
• involve unique community
• mirror the cultural diversity of each community
• inspire and empower new generations of achievers

Due to a special relationship with PS 143 Louis Armstrong School in Queens, Thirteen’s Family Literacy Unit spent an extraordinary morning kicking off the week of El Día de los Niños with the first grade students there and Maya and Miguel. The students in a predominantly Hispanic community had an exciting morning meeting Maya and Miguel and watching an episode WITH Maya and Miguel that helped instill the concepts of determination, confidence and hard work. On this very warm day, Maya and Miguel surprised the well-behaved students at the end of the screening with Popsicles in celebration of all of their hard work. To make these students feel even more important and celebrated each child was provided the opportunity to have some quick one-on-one time with Maya and Miguel. At this time they were provided with Superfabuloso! pencils from two of their favorite characters.

This small event really encompassed the meaning of El Día de los Niños — allowing the children to feel honored and celebrated while inspiring them to continue to work hard to realize their hopes and dreams. What will you do on April 30^th to celebrate El Día de los Niños?