There are many milestones in a child's life -- their first word, first step, first day of school -- the list is virtually endless.

But this week, the world will pay tribute to a major milestone that effects children everywhere, a deed which provided young people with universal standards on how they should be seen and treated.

Friday is the anniversary of two United Nations events -- the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Thus each November 20 has been designated Universal Children's Day by the UN in a bid to increase awareness that children are important and valued members of society.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by the UN, hence the theme `Let the Children Know They are Special'.

The Department of Child and Family Services is encouraging the community to participate in helping to ensure the Island's children and youth thrive in an atmosphere of love and understanding.

And officials are urging locals to remember that Friday should be a day to listen to children and marvel in their uniqueness.

"As a society it is up to every Bermudian to ensure that children are treated with human dignity and justice, protected from abuse, neglect and economic exploitation. Not just on that day but on every day of the year.'' To observe Universal Children's Day and highlight the importance of children to the community, The Family Learning Centre have been coordinating a number of activities this month.

On November 5, the Centre hosted a special showing of a film of the classic children's novel, `A Dog of Flanders', starring child actor Jesse James.

And this Sunday, the Centre will host a fundraising Walk-a-thon where the guest of honour will be the 12-year-old star of the film.

Organisers said that the young film star will help communicate the message that children need to be appreciated as our most precious resource.

"The Walk, which is our major fundraising event, will be led by children from specific groups such as PRIDE Pals, Boys Day Out and The Family Learning Centre's children,'' explained Centre spokesperson Martha Dismont. "Starting from Victoria Park it will go to the Botanical Gardens and return to the Park.

"We are encouraging volunteers to join the walk and to sponsor those who are already participating. You can call us at 295-1116 for pledge sheets and further details.'' The Walk-a-thon will kick off at 2 p.m. at Victoria Park in Hamilton.

At the end of the Walk, the Family Resource Centre and the Inter Agency Committee for Children and Families (a partnership of over 40 private and Government agencies that devise strategies for working with families) have organised a series of activities for children and their families.

A Puppet show, dance-a-rama and face painting are just a few of the activities scheduled to get underway at 4 p.m. Sunday.

"Celebrating Universal Children's Day in this collaborative way gives each of us the opportunity to rally around children's issues as a community of agencies in Bermuda,'' said Dr. Michael McDonough, representive member of the Inter Agency Committee for Children and Families. "We're asking everyone to join this effort.'' The Family Learning Centre provides clinical and educational services, social skill groups and activity services in a bid to strengthen and stabilise families who are attempting to overcome difficulties.

The Centre's efforts are focused on families with at least one child between the ages of five and 12 who is facing emotional, behavioural or developmental difficulties.

Parent participation is mandatory and the services are extended to the entire family.

We are the world: This Friday is Universal Children's Day around the world to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and to mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. It is hoped that Universal Children's Day will increase awareness that children are important and valued members of society.