The theme of International Day of the African Child 2019 is ‘Humanitarian Action in Africa: Children’s Rights First’.

International Day of the African Child is observed on June 16 every year since its recognition by the African Union. The day aims at raising awareness about the condition of African children and how there is an urgent need to provide them with a better standard of living.

Let’s all reflect on our contribution to make our children thrive and develop. We all have to uphold child rights, advocate for them and most importantly protect them.

The day of African Child encourages people to share something special with a child in Africa. International Day of the African Child commemorates those killed on June 16, 1976, during the Soweto Uprising in South Africa.

On International Day of the African Child 2019, various events and programs are held across Africa and other countries highlighting their problems. The theme of International Day of the African Child 2019 is ‘Humanitarian Action in Africa: Children’s Rights First’.

The day recognizes the courage of students who marched for their right to better education. About ten thousand black school children had marched in a column protesting against the poor quality of their education. They also demanded to be taught in their own language.

However, hundreds of young children were shot and the weeks following witness protests in the region leading to more deaths. Hector Pieterson, a young South African schoolboy being the face of the uprising after a photo of the child being carried by a Soweto resident was published in newspapers. His death anniversary is celebrated as Youth Day in South Africa where they honor young people and highlight their need.

Today as we celebrate the Day of the African Child, let leave no child behind for Africa’s Development.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

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