The Day of the African Child is celebrated on June 16 every year. The 2024 Day of the African Child (DAC) theme is 'Education for all children in Africa: the time is now'. Education for all is not the reality for many African children.
The Day of the African Child (DAC) was instituted in 1991 by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU in memory of the 16th June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa. At that time, students marched protesting the poor-quality education they received and demanding to be taught in their languages. During the protest, hundreds of schoolchildren were killed. The Day of the African Child is celebrated to commemorate these children's brave actions to defend their rights. The Day of the African Child also serves to celebrate children of Africa as well as inspire a sober reflection and action towards addressing the challenges that children in Africa face daily.
Bunyangubu cluster celebrated the day by holding radio talkshows moderated by children to highlight efforts on the prevention of violence against children in home, community and schools. The right for children to access quality education and a violence-free environment were emphasised.
later the children held a sports event integrated with poems, songs, and sensitisation on forms of violence against children.
