‘Regardless of abilities, every child deserves equal opportunities’

German Consul General Thomas E Schultze celebrated German World Children’s Day at the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre’s (MALC) Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Physical & Neurodevelopmental Disabilities on Saturday.  

CG Schultze and Consul Anja Klos distributed gift bags among the children and spent time with them. The event created heart-warming moments as the children’s smiles lit up the centre.

The German diplomats emphasised the importance of recognising as well as celebrating every child in their unique way, reaffirming their support for children’s rights and inclusion.

Schultze said the day is a reminder to listen to children, respect their rights, create opportunities for them to grow with dignity and safety, and ensure equal chances for all children, regardless of disabilities or illnesses.

He noted that the celebration of German World Children’s Day demonstrates that these values are truly universal. He said the partnership between the Sindh Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the MALC is a strong sign of commitment to inclusion.

He also expressed pride in Germany’s long-standing partnership with the MALC, which began in 1962, “long before I was born”.

He recalled that earlier this year, the federal president of Germany awarded the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) to MALC Chief Executive Officer Mervyn Francis Lobo.

The honour, which is Germany’s highest award and its sole federal decoration, was conferred to recognise Lobo’s decades of work for children and persons affected by leprosy.

Schultze also highlighted the newly launched roadmap towards zero leprosy at the MALC, describing it as “remarkable” and a demonstration of vision, determination and courage in striving to eliminate one of humanity’s oldest diseases.

“Let us reaffirm that every child, regardless of abilities, deserves equal opportunities, dignity and hope,” he said, adding that Germany stands with the MALC, Sindh and Pakistan in this mission.