Today, 16th June 2021, African countries converged in Addis Ababa to commemorate the 30th anniversary of agenda 2040 for the African Child.
Agenda 2040 is guided by 10 aspirations: The African Children’s Charter, as supervised by the African Children’s Committee to provide an effective continental framework for advancing children’s rights; the existence of an effective child-friendly national legislative, policy and institutional.
In Soweto , South Africa, on June 16, 1976, about ten thousand black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language . Hundreds of young students were shot. More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured.
Since 1991, the Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 to commemorate those killed during the Soweto Uprising in South Africa, and to recognize the courage of the students who marched for their right to an education.
The Day of the African Child is also an opportunity to raise awareness for the ongoing need to improve the education of children living across Africa.
Of the 57 million primary school age children currently out of school around the world, over half are from sub-Saharan Africa.
Consequently, Nigeria being the giant of Africa has joined her counterparts to mark the year’s celebration of the African Child.
Graca Machel put it right when she said “The impact of armed conflict on children is everyone’s responsibility. And it must be everyone’s concern”.
Dutifully, the organization of African Union is saddled with working towards making Africa fit for the African child, the Nigerian government must ensure a country that is fit for the Nigerian child.
Creating a thriving future for the populous children in Nigeria must be a commitment not just to the federal but also the state and local government.
Religious and traditional rulers, non governmental organizations and public and private institutions must make the welfare of the Nigerian child a priority without reserve.
The federal ministry of education has noted that 10.1 million children have dropped out of school between 2019 and 2021.
In a separate record by the international labour organization, about 15 million Nigerian children are subjected to child labour.
These reports are worrisome and mind – disturbing.
As we once again remind ourselves the fate of the African child, it remains a wake – up call to eschew our contributions so far in bettering the life of an African child.
Hence, all hands must be on deck engaging all sub – conscious efforts. Government and non government agencies. Group and individuals. Big and small. Irrespective of your religious, educational and ethnic background. Mobilization, sensitization, adoption and legislation of child – care policies must receive accelerated attention in the public space.
Indeed, every child deserves a good life.
From Political Watch
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