By Sheldon Spackman

Sylvan Lake is one of four communities across Alberta hosting National Child Day activities on Friday.

The town’s Family and Community Centre will have story telling, face painting,  games, bouncy castles, crafts and more from 1:00-5:00pm.

Child and Youth Advocate Del Graff is encouraging all Albertans to participate in National Child Day activities, saying “The right to belong is a fundamental need for all of us, especially children and is a key factor for healthy growth and positive development.” Del Graff adds “When a young person feels they belong it builds confidence, creates a sense of identity and community and sets a path to a positive future.”

In a release, provincial officials say it’s been over 25 years since the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Canada became a signatory to the UNCRC in May 1990 and ratified the document in 1991. The Convention enshrines a broad range of rights to health, safety, well-being and education for children. National Child Day commemorated the ratification of the UNCRC.