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Celebrate International Day of the African Child on June 16, a day to recognize and celebrate the achievements of children in Africa. The day was first observed in 1991 to commemorate an uprising by students protesting against their unequal access to education in South Africa during apartheid. Since then, it has grown into a global celebration of African children and their resilience despite difficult circumstances they face daily. It is also an opportunity for everyone around the world to help make sure that every child can reach their potential through education and support!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Soweto Uprising</div><div class='timeline-text'>Thousands of black school children in Soweto, South Africa, protested for better quality education. The protest ended tragically with many losing their lives.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first International Day of the African Child was established by the Organization of African Unity, now African Union, to honor the children who participated in the Soweto Uprising.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dakar Framework</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Dakar Framework for Action commits to improving the quality of education in Africa and ensures access for the marginalized, including girls, children affected by conflict, and children with disabilities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Millennium Development Goals</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UN Millennium Development Goals included a goal for universal primary education, increasing the focus to improve access to education for African children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Union of African Child Rights Organisations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Union of African Child Rights Organisations was formed to promote the rights of children in Africa including education, health, and protection from harm.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Support Amid COVID-19</div><div class='timeline-text'>Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, global initiatives geared towards providing remote learning opportunities for African children were amplified to ensure education continuity.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a community event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather the community and organize a day of celebration for African children and their families. This can include music, food, activities, and more. It's a great way to promote cultural understanding and celebrate the lives of African children.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Select an organization that works with African children and donate money or resources in honor of International Day of the African Child. Doing this is a great way to support these charities and make a difference in the lives of African children around the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an educational event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to host an educational event about the International Day of the African Child. You could show films, have guest speakers, or create other activities that inform people about this important day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support local organizations</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local organizations that are working with African children in your area, such as schools or charities, and find ways to support them. Whether it’s donating money or volunteering your time, any help is appreciated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share stories of African children</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find inspiring stories about African children making a difference in their communities and share them on social media to spread awareness about International Day of the African Child. This is a great way to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of African children worldwide.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Recognizes African Children's Rights</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The International Day of the African Child honors the millions of children in Africa who are living without the basic rights and protections that all children deserve. By advocating for increased awareness, funding, and action, this day provides an important platform to recognize and protect African children’s rights.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Millions of children in Africa lack access to quality education due to poverty, conflict, and other circumstances beyond their control. The International Day of the African Child promotes education for all children, which can help break the cycle of poverty and improve people’s lives for generations to come.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By raising awareness about issues affecting African children, such as child labor and forced marriage, this day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action in order to protect and promote the rights of African children. Additionally, this day serves as a reminder for adults everywhere that we have an obligation to create an equitable society for our children.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Africa Boasts the Youngest Population Globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>Africa is home to the world's youngest population, with over 60% of its inhabitants below 25 years of age. This points to the essential need for children's rights protection and education enhancement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>African Languages are among the Most Diverse in the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>There are about 2,000 distinct languages spoken among African communities. Encouraging education and communication in native languages can support the preservation of cultural heritage among African children.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 50% of African Children Attend School</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite economic and social challenges, more than half of African children are enrolled in school. The need is to improve the quality of education and ensure that both genders have equal opportunities for education.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children's Parliaments in Africa</h3><p class='facts-content'>In some parts of Africa like Ethiopia, there are children's parliaments where kids can voice their concerns and opine on policy matters. These platforms endorse the notion of children as active citizens.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>African Art Innovations Originated from Children</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many African cultures, children are involved in artistic creations, storytelling, and musical expressions. For example, in Burkina Faso, kids are known to sculpt animals and dolls from mud, which later inspired numerous worldwide art forms.</p></div></div>
International Day of the African Child is celebrated on June 16 every year. In 2024, the day falls on a Sunday.
2023
Jun 16
Friday
2024
Jun 16
Sunday
2025
Jun 16
Monday
2026
Jun 16
Tuesday
2027
Jun 16
Wednesday
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