adminThe Herald, June 17, 2009
THE Day of the African Child has its origins on June 16, 1976 when black school children in Soweto, Johannesburg, took to the streets to protest against the imposition of Afrikaans as the language of instruction, and against the inferior quality of their education.
On that day, hundreds of children and adults were killed and thousands more injured, as so well illustrated in the South African movie Sarafina.
In 1991, the Organisation of African Unity, as the continental body was then called, earmarked the day to honour those who died as well as to draw attention to the welfare of African children.
This year, the theme of the Day of the African Child is: “Africa Fit for Children: A call for Accelerated Action towards their Survival”.
This theme focuses specifically on Article V of the African Charter on the Human Rights and Welfare of the Child, which provides that State parties shall ensure, to the maximum extent possible, the survival, protection and development of the child.
Child sexual abuse has been a scourge plaguing communities, not just in Africa, but indeed across the world.
Most African countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which articulates children’s rights and expands democratic space for children.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
• The Day of the African Child was yesterday commemorated under the theme: “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”. How many countries took note of this?
• During the Soweto uprising, the children who demonstrated, showed that they understood their rights; could articulate their own issues and were prepared to take a stand on them, sometimes even it meant dying for their principled positions.
• In the spirit of the Soweto uprising, the International Day of the African Child should give a platform to children themselves to raise their voices and at the same time, give an opportunity for older people to appreciate their standpoints.
• As Africa grapples with how best to mitigate against the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that the measures being adopted are not just for adults, but that in every way, they should incorporate children.
• Children must be given the opportunity to learn how to solve major challenges like pandemics, economic development, peace and security, climate change, food security, etc. because they are the heirs of tomorrow.
Online Reporter