Recognizing April 30, 2000 as "El Dia De Los Niños" (Children's Day) in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Many nations throughout the world, especially in our Western Hemisphere, celebrate “El Dia De Los Niños” (Children's Day) in recognition of their country's future--their children; and

WHEREAS, Latinos in the United States, the youngest and fastest growing ethnic community in the nation, continue the tradition of honoring their children on this day, and wish to share this custom with the rest of the nation; and

WHEREAS, Traditional Latino family life centers largely on its children and the belief that children are the responsibility of all its citizens, and citizens should be encouraged to celebrate the gifts children give to society--their energy, spirit, hopes and dreams; and

WHEREAS, The National Latino Children's Institute, a national children's advocacy organization, created El Dia De Los Niños to urge the nation, and communities throughout the country to celebrate goals that promote family unity, parental involvement, educational achievement, youth mentoring projects and employment opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The Kensington Cluster Resource Board of the Philadelphia School District, working in collaboration with the National Latino Children's Institute, has become Philadelphia's local sponsor as it celebrates El Dia De Los Niños (Children's Day) beginning with a day of community activities on April 24, 2000; now therefore

RESOLVED, The City Council of Philadelphia does hereby recognize April 30, 2000 as "El Dia De Los Niños" (Children's Day) in celebration of children everywhere and extend to its organizers and planners this Council's best wishes.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of the National Latino Children's Institute and the Kensington Cluster Resource Board of the Philadelphia School District as a representation of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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