The Country Director of Childreach International, Tanzania Office, headquartered in Moshi, Ms Sheilla Makindara has described this year's Universal Children Day Celebrations as a breakthrough because children boldly asserted their rights to protection, education, health and to be heard.

She said the celebrations saw an increase in the number of participating children from five schools in 2010 to 22 schools, and each school was represented by two pupils and one teacher; seven from Moshi Municipality, ten from Moshi rural, three from Rombo and one each from Mwanga and Hai districts.

Ms Makindara said that during this year's celebrations, marked on November 20, children held a procession while displaying banners and posters with various messages on children's rights and protection.

They walked from Childreach International offices in Moshi municipality via double road to Zumba Land playgrounds where the rally was decorated by a brass band from Moshi Police Academy.

While at Zumba playgrounds, children had the opportunity to speak out and advocate their rights through speeches, presentations, songs and traditional dances, she said, adding that children enjoyed their special day by playing on modern equipment, including swings, see-saws, moving trains, aeroplanes, bouncing castles, to mention but a few.