Hundreds of children gathered in the square of the National Opera House in the morning to celebrate the International Children's Day. This year, the activities dedicated to June 1 started with a parade of groups of school students. Those attending received sweet prizes, took part in contests and enjoyed themselves, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The booths with candies, balloons and toys are intended to make the children happy,” said the head of the General Division of Education, Youth and Sport Tatiana Nagnibeda-Tverdohleb. Poetry recitals, contests of asphalt drawings, sports competitions with numerous prizes and diplomas will take place throughout the day. Tatiana Nagnibeda-Tverdohleb said 80,000 students completed the school studies in the municipality of Chisinau this year. More than 30,000 children left kindergarten. Andrei Baciu, coordinator of the artistic group “Stramoseasca”, said she came to the holiday together with her pupils to show how to dance lively Romanian folk dances. Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca said the authorities should act correctly and transparently so that all the children have a better future. “The children in Moldova should enjoy the same rights and possibilities as the children from the EU states,” he said. “The holidays, especially the children's day, divert attention from the serious problems we face,” said Acting President Mihai Ghimpu. “We also were kids and would like to go back to that happy period,” he added, wishing the children a bright, European future. Premier Vlad Filat said he was overcome with emotion when he marched alongside the children during the parade. “I realized once again that we have exceptional children and this mean that we have an extraordinary future,” he said. “My dear children, I wish you health, happiness and many joys. On this day, our thoughts go to you and the future because you are our future,” said the leader of the Democratic Party Marian Lupu. The program of activities will culminate with a concert in the square of the National Opera House that will start at 18.30.