by Hemed Jumaa

African Child Celebrations 01

The day of the African child has been celebrated on 16th June every year since 1991 when it was initiated by the organization of African unity(now AU). It honors those children who participated in the Soweto uprising (South Africa) in 1976 where many people lost their lifes when protesting the poor quality of their education. It main focus is to raise awareness of the continuing need for improvement to the education provided to the African children and this year’s theme stated “A child friendly, quality, free and compulsory education for all children in Africa”

Africian Child Celebration 04

This year’s national celebrations were conducted in the Coast province in Kilifi county in Kaloleni at Kizurini Primary. Sr Prisca, Madam Mercy, Uncle Hemed, Mama Mapenzi, Aunt Easter and fifteen of our children attended this national event. The celebrations were headed by the Cabinet Secretary for Labour & Gender Issues – Honourable Kazungu Kambi.

cabinet secretary for labor and gender Kazungu kambi addressing the public

Our young children couldn’t really understand what the celebrations were really for but for the bigger ones it was a very special venue to explore, hear and see the different talents other children have, the challenges they face to obtain education and above all how education is valued as a tool of empowerment for children in Africa.

African Child Celebrations 02

They were all fascinated by how the children flavoured the celebration with different presentations and some could be heard saying that they would really like to perform on stage where there are huge crowds of people like the way the others were doing.

Africian Chil Celebrations 03

It was a very special event and our big children were able to see how life in government school looks like compared to the high quality of education they get at St Bernadette Mary school.

Traditional Instrument