**HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVES AND COLLABORATORS OF THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND WATER,
RESPECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANIES SPONSORING THE FIRST CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL “EMBRACING THE FUTURE,”

DEAR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF THESE WONDERFUL BOYS AND GIRLS PRESENT HERE TODAY:**

It brings me great joy to address you on this occasion as we come together to commemorate the Day of the African Child, which will be celebrated tomorrow, June 16.

The well-known saying, “To children, everything they deserve,” is a phrase that should always command our attention as responsible adults.

In this context, the Ministry of Energy and Water, through its commitment to social responsibility, is proud to support the organization of this festival, titled “Embracing the Future.” This event seeks to bring together parents, children, guardians, and professionals from our sector in a fun and educational setting.

As former children and now adults, we must express our gratitude for everything our parents did for us, ensuring that we had the foundation to become the people we are today, even under difficult circumstances.

It is our duty to look after these boys and girls, working to ensure their spiritual and material well-being, and in doing so, honoring the 11 Rights of the Child adopted by the Government of Angola in 2007. These rights address issues such as child survival, food security and nutrition, birth registration, early childhood education, primary education, vocational training, juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS prevention, protection from violence, social protection, and family empowerment.

DEAR EDUCATORS OF THESE CHILDREN,
We must redouble our efforts to guide and support their growth, ensuring they receive the best possible direction for their vocational, academic, and professional development. As the saying goes, “It is while they are young that the cucumber is shaped.”

I would like to ask you, dear children, what would you like to become in the future?

• Electrical technicians?
• Water technicians?

As the leader of the electricity and water sectors, I hope that many of these children will pursue careers in electricity and water in the future. They will play a key role in the operation and maintenance of the electrical and water infrastructure across the country—dams, transmission lines, power and water production centers, and many other vital areas in the development of the energy and water industry.

I am proud to share that the esteemed musician Maya Cool, a prominent figure in our country’s children’s music scene, has joined us in this celebration of friendship and joy.

I would like to express my gratitude to the event organizer, Celso Mambo, the animation team, Clown Tawas, musician Neru Americano, and all the leaders and professionals from our sector for their dedication.

I also thank the sponsoring companies, including PRODEL, RNT, ENDE, EPAL, K Business, ENG Consult, and DAR, for their support.

Finally, my deepest thanks to all the children and their guardians for accepting our invitation.

Thank you very much!