Day of the African Child

Since 1991, the Day of the African Child has been celebrated on the 16^th of June. It was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity to honour those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976, on the same date. In 1976 in Soweto, South Africa, black people, including young students lost their lives as they marched more than half a mile long protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language.

On this day, governments, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realisation of the rights of children in Africa. The Day of the African Child further continues to raise awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children.

This year, the Day of the African Child will be marked under the theme: “30 years after the adoption of the charter: Accelerate Implementation of Agenda 2040 for An ‘Africa Fit for Children’, In Kenya, the National Council for Children Services (NCCS) will lead the country in marking the day. Let us continue to commemorate these children, on not only this day but also all others, for their brave action in defending their right and let us also celebrate the children of Africa and call for serious introspection and commitment towards addressing the numerous challenges facing children across the continent.