The Day of the African Child, observed every year on June 16, is a day to honor the resilience of children and reflect on the progress made across Africa in ensuring their rights.
The day commemorates a protest on June 16, 1976, when thousands of school children in South Africa protested against poor educational conditions and the introduction of Afrikaans as the language of instruction. It was a protest that ended in violence and cost many children and young people their lives.
In the meantime, the African Charter was created at the initiative of the African Union—a document with 48 articles describing the rights and responsibilities of children in Africa. It serves as a guide for governments and communities, ensuring the protection, survival, development, and participation of children in society. By recognizing children as rights-holders, it calls on governments to uphold these fundamental provisions.
Our children from the Maisha Mazuri Children’s Home, the MMP program, and the entire Maisha Mazuri Primary School also took part in the parade in Tala. Beforehand, they designed posters and banners highlighting the issues that are particularly close to their hearts.