Valentine’s Day: What Message For Young People?

All over the world, St Valentine’s Day,14th February is annual celebration of love, friendship, admiration and compassion. People on this day send messages of love and affection to partners, family, friends and others in society.
This year will not be different, in spite of the crisis occassioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for people we love, including our children and young people.
However, to some people, Valentine’s Day has no meaning. To others it is an holiday of love for only adults. Which way you see it, Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful opportunity to teach our children and young people about love.
Interestingly, connecting love with kindness will not only help young people to become more thoughtful people but it will also help them understand  that they should  always expect kindness for the people that love them as well.
In a world today, where negativity reigns with hard times, it is more important than ever to help young people see the beauty of love of all kinds. This will  motivate these young ones to be open-minded and loving people.
This can also show them how important it is to understand the past and struggles that people face today in order   to move into a more loving and connected future.
In Nigeria, Valentine’s Day has been added to the list of special days that primary and secondary schools now celebrate. Some schools celebrate the day by wearing red T-shirts and bringing in gifts for other children and teachers. Other schools exchange gifts, organise picnics or hold parties.
Some use the day to visit the Motherless  and Children Homes. Many impose red and white dress code on pupils and students. Also, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) do their lot by organising seminars and talk shows to educate the young ones about love.
According to Mrs Mary Anika, Proprietress of Carina International School, Port Harcourt, ‘’we did celebrate Valentine’s Day in other years, but this year will be an exception  because of the COVD-19 crisis. We don’t want to bother parents further, due to the times. We usually celebrate with swimming in the school, we bring in horses for children to ride, exchange of gifts among children and more. We also talk to the children about love, how they can show love the proper way and also sex education”.
This year, 2021 Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday .As parents and adults, we can do a lot by finding ways to give the gift of love to our children, other children around us and also those in need.
As parents, transmitting values to our children  through our behaviour is very important. It is never too early to help children express love and friendship. By watching you give gifts of kindness, compassion and respect to the people you love, this will touch their hearts and do same as they grow up.
Let us, as adults, use this Valentine’s Day to demonstrate love to our children and young people. A simple note that says, “I love you” can remind your child in years to come about your love even when you are not together. Send recharge cards to young people as a show of love.
This is a great opportunity to help young people feel love and make them responsible adults in future.

By: Ibinabo Ogolo