Homes that safeguard the future

Surabaya (ANTARA) - There is no place a child knows before their home. It is there that they learn to recognise affection, safety, trust, and their way of perceiving the world. When a home fails to be a healthy space for growth, the impact does not stop with a single child but spreads into broader social issues. Violence, neglect, bullying, and mental health problems often root from fragile family relationships.

The commemoration of National Children’s Day 2026 serves as a reminder that fulfilling children’s rights is not merely about providing education, healthcare, or playgrounds. A child’s rights begin within a family environment capable of providing protection, nurturing, and exemplary guidance. Therefore, the development of child-friendly cities is not just about building parks, schools, or public facilities, but also about strengthening the home as the first bastion of protection.

The city of Surabaya, East Java, offers an interesting approach. Various accolades received, ranging from the ‘Main’ category Child-Friendly City designation for seven consecutive years to the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative certification, are more than just administrative awards. These recognitions demonstrate an effort to build a child protection ecosystem involving the government, community, educational institutions, the business world, and social organisations.