Above: Event in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Highlights from ATD Fourth World teams celebrating the Day of the African Child 2024

‘Supporting children is a priority for me. I believe in education. Never give up on going to school.’

Children in Senegal during the Day of the African Child, celebrated on Saturday 22nd June 2024 at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Complex in Pikine.

Senegal: Advocating for children’s rights

ATD Fourth World Senegal united children from Sam-Sam, Grand Yoff and Baraka villages to discuss education and advocate for children’s rights. Key stakeholders, including a specialist youth worker, a civil society representative, and a maths teacher, joined the discussion. A teenage girl from Grand Yoff also spoke on behalf of the children.

The event opened with moving testimonies about the importance of education. One young person recounted how his friend had left school to sell water sachets and help his mother. Seeing earnings, he abandoned school.

Testimonies like these reinforced that education is the safest path to a secure future.

To raise awareness and urge authorities to respect their rights, the children presented artwork with strong messages:

• ‘Yes to supporting children’
• ‘Yes to children’s education’
• ‘Yes to staying in school’

‘It is time to solidify our commitment to providing all children access to quality, inclusive and equal education.’

Speaker at the Day of the African Child event in Senegal

Burkina Faso: A right to education

In Burkina Faso, an independent committee, including ATD Fourth World members and facilitators, organized the Day of the African Child.

Children, supported by ATD Fourth World, expressed themselves regarding their right to education through theatre, testimonies, music, poetry, and cultural activities like djembe drumming. A Tapori child stated:

‘Whether I’m a girl or a boy, I have the right to go to school… Education for all children and their future.’

Another added:

‘In our area, many children have never had a chance to attend school. That’s not right. Illiteracy must be tackled at its roots.’

A child facing homelessness then sang:

‘The security situation has left us on the streets, and our brothers and sisters can no longer attend school.’

Officials stressed the need to support children in vulnerable situations. The Ministry of Social Action’s representative urged action to ensure schooling for all, while the National Human Rights Commission emphasized incorporating education challenges into future policies.

Côte d’Ivoire: A better world through equal education

The celebration in Gbintou, Côte d’Ivoire, gathered 200 children, parents, local leaders, and representatives from various organizations. Children shared their dreams of a better world through education, emphasizing that learning happens not only in schools but also at home and places of worship. Despite free primary education since 2020, obstacles for the children and their families persist. The young people highlighted the influence of cultural practices, particularly in AKAN traditions, on education.

Activists discussed the main barriers to accessing education, including poverty, neglect and societal prejudice, and suggested solutions. A local partner urged the children to avoid illegal activities, while a parent thanked ATD Fourth World for organizing the event in their community.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Encouraging progress to face the challenges ahead

In the library hall of the Notre-Dame d’Afrique Parish in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), activities activities began with a speech by François Mwanzire, followed by Joël Kiramba, who highlighted key points: Primary school enrolment rate has increased from 59% in 1999 to 79% in 2021, according to UNESCO, demonstrating significant progress in access to education.

• Universal education in Africa is crucial for development and social inclusion.
• Education is a fundamental right for every child that is crucial for the moral development of children and can save lives in times of crisis.
• As the world develops, technology has become an essential tool in learning.

Since 2019, DRC has provided free primary education, covering tuition fees per Article 43(4) of the Constitution. However, implementation challenges remain, such as lack of materials, overcrowded classrooms, and declining student motivation.
Sister Justine Bavurhe, a school principal, stressed that educators must provide quality education despite these obstacles.

Tanzania: Giving Children Hope

In Tanzania, the Kitulo Social Hall in Dar es Salaam hosted an event attended by 300 people, including government officials, parents, NGOs, and children from vulnerable communities. Entirely led by children, the event created space for them to share challenges, hopes, and expectations with parents, communities, and government officials. They also wrote down their concerns and dreams for the future.

Following the event, NGOs and civil society organizations proposed establishing a children’s rights advocacy office to increase awareness and push for stronger government intervention. Recommendations included:

• Encouraging inclusive education for all children, with attention to their individual needs.
• Prioritizing vulnerable children to ensure their access to education and advocating for quality education for all.
• Encouraging NGOs to work alongside the government to increase public awareness of the importance of inclusive education.

Central African Republic: Standing with children who could not continue their education

The Day of the African Child in the Central African Republic was a significant opportunity to address the educational challenges many children face. Participants included children, local authorities, UNESCO representatives, and educators.

Children raised key issues:

• Exclusion of children living in extreme poverty
• Universal access to education
• Barriers to education in the Central African Republic, such as respect for authorities
• The importance of birth certificates for school enrolment
• Preventing violence and abuse in schools

The children expressed their frustration at the inequalities and inappropriate practices that affect their education, emphasising that education should start at home and continue in school in a fair and inclusive manner.

Children also urged better support for trained teachers and criticized the use of unqualified “parent-teachers.” They encouraged children living on the streets to persist in their studies to challenge societal stigma. Finally, children paid tribute to those forced out of school due to war, displacement, or disasters and called for improved school infrastructure, noting some schools rely on makeshift classrooms made of palm leaves.

A call for concrete action

Across Africa, the Day of the African Child served as a powerful reminder that governments and communities must ensure all children have access to quality education. These celebrations showcased children’s determination to defend their rights and contribute to their communities. However, real change still requires concrete action.