International Day of the African Child

January 17, 2024

In honor of the June 16, 1976, student revolt in Soweto, South Africa, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) established the Day of the African Child (DAC) in 1991. The International Day of the African Child. Students at the time staged protests, calling for instruction in their native tongues and denouncing the subpar education they were receiving.

Hundreds of schoolchildren were slain during the demonstration. To honor these kids and their courageous actions in defending their rights, people celebrate the Day of the African Child. In addition to celebrating African children, the Day of the African Child aims to provoke serious thought and action to address the problems that African children experience daily.

Every year on June 16, the Committee selects a topic for the Day of the African Child based on the opinions of the children gathered from numerous meetings with the children themselves. To help Member States of the African Union celebrate the Day of the African Child, the group also created a Concept Note on the theme.

2024 Date

The international day of the African child is Sunday, Jun 16, 2024.

Year	Date	Day
2024	June 16	Sunday
2025	June 16	Monday
2026	June 16	Tuesday
2027	June 16	Wednesday
2028	June 16	Friday

Historical Context

The roots of the International Day of the African Child lie in the tragic events of June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa. During this period of apartheid, the government enforced a policy that mandated the use of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in schools, disadvantaging black students who spoke other languages.

In response to this injustice, thousands of students took to the streets to protest, demanding their right to quality education in their mother tongue. The police responded with violence, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries among the protesting students. This event marked a turning point in the fight against apartheid and inspired the establishment of the International Day of the African Child.

What Happens on The Day of The African Child?

The Day of the African Child observed annually on June 16, brings together various stakeholders, including African governments, children’s representatives, NGOs, and international organizations. The focus is on discussing challenges and opportunities related to realizing children’s rights in Africa.

Member States commemorate the day at both national and continental levels, following guidelines provided by the Committee. National celebrations involve consultations with children and stakeholders, with Member States encouraged to take legislative actions related to the year’s theme.

At the continental level, the day includes consultations, Charter training for children, and inter-generational dialogues. The Committee and participants adopt an outcome statement on the theme during the Continental Celebration. Member States submit reports to the Committee, detailing national celebrations and measures taken regarding the theme.

Challenges Faced by African Children

While progress has been made since the inception of the International Day of the African Child, numerous challenges persist, hindering the well-being and development of African children. These challenges include:

Access to Education: Many African children still face barriers to accessing quality education, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of qualified teachers, and financial constraints.
Child Labor: Child labor remains a prevalent issue in several African countries, with children engaged in hazardous work that jeopardizes their health, education, and overall well-being.
Healthcare: Limited access to healthcare services contributes to high child mortality rates, with preventable diseases posing a significant threat to children’s lives.
Violence and Exploitation: African children are vulnerable to various forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation, including child trafficking, early marriage, and recruitment into the armed forces.
Poverty: Many African families struggle with poverty, affecting children’s access to necessities such as nutritious food, clean water, and adequate shelter.

Celebrating Achievements

Despite these challenges, there have been notable achievements in improving the lives of African children. Increased awareness and advocacy have led to positive changes in policies and practices, resulting in improved access to education, healthcare, and protection for many children.

Empowering Future Generations:

As we celebrate the International Day of the African Child, it is crucial to focus on actionable steps to empower future generations. This includes:

Investing in Education: Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must prioritize investments in education, ensuring that all children have access to quality schooling that prepares them for a brighter future.
Combating Child Labor: Efforts should be intensified to eradicate child labor through the enforcement of laws, awareness campaigns, and support for families to overcome economic challenges.
Enhancing Healthcare Services: Access to healthcare services must be improved, addressing both preventive and curative aspects to reduce child mortality and improve overall health outcomes.
Protecting Children from Violence: Stronger legal frameworks and community-based initiatives are needed to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
Eradicating Poverty: Addressing the root causes of poverty through sustainable development initiatives will contribute to creating an environment where children can thrive.

Conclusion

The International Day of the African Child serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to ensure that every African child enjoys their fundamental rights and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the challenges faced by African children and fostering an environment of support, we contribute to building a brighter future for the continent and empowering generations to come.

Let us join hands in celebrating the resilience and potential of African children, working towards a world where their dreams can be nurtured and their lives transformed.

International Day of the African Child