The International Day of Families is observed every year on the 15th of May.
Family units functioning well lead to a prosperous society. This contributes to building a great nation and a peaceful world.
A family is our basic unit operating in society.
The question arises, “What is an ideal family unit?”
I believe that it is a unit which exemplifies love, responsibility and caring for each other, so that the individuals within it are assisted to reach their full potential. Individual pleasure and personal gain are important, but not at the cost of other family members. It is a place where moral and cultural values are promoted and diversity is appreciated. A family unit functioning in this manner sets the pattern for the caring of other community members.
So what are the current day issues relating to families in our society?
To develop a relationship within a family requires “quality time”. Growing unemployment, limited income and the decline of moral values places great stress on family life. Today, either both parents go out to work, or the whole domestic workload falls on one partner while the other is out earning money. This occurs both in the eastern and western cultures, amongst both the well-off and the poor families. We find that the child is receiving an understanding of cultural and moral values from TV shows, or scenes witnessed on the streets, instead of the family unit. The institution of marriage itself is under threat in the current society. TV, the internet and computer games should not be replacing the quality time needed to bond with other members of the family.
Working together, we can bring about a society that respects the rights of all.
We encourage you to celebrate this day with your family and your community. Send us news of your activity on this day. We look forward to hearing from you.
Wishing you true happiness with all of your family members.
“A family in harmony will prosper in everything.” – CHINESE PROVERB
“The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only – and that is to support the ultimate career.” – C.S. LEWIS
“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” – MOTHER TERESA
“The family is both the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of culture. It is a perpetual source of encouragement, advocacy, assurance, and emotional refuelling that empowers a child to venture with confidence into the greater world and to become all that he can be.” – MARIANNE E. NEIFERT