The International day of happiness is celebrated yearly on the 20th of March. It was founded on the 2012 in support of the United Nations Adoption on the UN resolution 66/281, that states that happiness is a fundamental human goal. This resolution recognises the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and the well-being of all peoples.

This 2017 International day of happiness we look at the importance of Psychosocial support for the wellbeing and happiness for children and youth in Eastern and Southern Africa.

As well as children’s basic needs, all children have the right to be cared for, loved and protected. In eastern and southern Africa high rates of poverty, conflict and HIV/AIDS has had negative effects on the emotional mental and physical wellbeing of children. Children and youth exposed to the devastating effects of poverty, conflict, HIV and AIDS are especially entitled to care for their emotional and social (psychosocial) wellbeing. Stigma and discrimination is another factor that has a negative impact on the wellbeing of children and adolescents living with and affected by HIV.

Psychosocial support builds the resilience of children and adolescents, and is critical to their wellbeing and happiness. Motivated communities and families play a central role in providing psychosocial support by creating environments where children feel safe, cared for and can thrive. Psychosocial and mental wellbeing enable children and youth to make decisions to protect themselves and those around them and be active members of their community.

In order for children be happy, we need to insure children’s and emotional, physical and social wellbeing continues to be a priority in programmes, policies and development goals.  

Source: http://www.repssi.org/psychosocial-support/  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Happiness