International Day of the African Child 2025: A Call for Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights
The International Day of the African Child is celebrated annually on June 16th in remembrance of the children of Soweto, South Africa, who courageously fought for their right to quality education in 1976.
Even in the face of violence, their brave deeds sparked a movement that remains relevant today. Since 1991, governments, communities, and civil society have been urged to defend and advance the rights of all African children.
History of the International Day of the African Child
This day’s history began on June 16, 1976, when approximately 20,000 black students in Soweto, South Africa, marched against the apartheid government’s policy requiring them to learn Afrikaans instead of their native languages.
When police opened fire on the students during the peaceful march, it descended into a massacre that left hundreds dead and many others injured.
This incident brought global attention to the discriminatory educational practices that black South Africans endured and marked a turning point in the fight against apartheid.
In 1991, the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) established the International Day of the African Child.
This day honors the tragic student revolt of June 16, 1976, in which thousands of students protested against the imposition of Afrikaans as the language of instruction and the poor quality of their education.
Hundreds of children were killed during these protests. The day serves to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles African children face while honoring their bravery and selflessness in defending their rights.
Theme for the Day of the African Child 2025
The theme for this year, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,” urges everyone to reflect on how financial and planning decisions have supported children’s welfare.
The fundamental message is that children cannot fully enjoy their rights without organized, purposeful efforts and the allocation of resources for their well-being.
Why is the Day of the African Child Important?
This day is important because it raises awareness of the challenges African children still face in accessing quality education and basic rights.
Despite progress in some areas, many African children continue to struggle with poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to educational resources. The day is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to work towards creating an environment where every child can thrive.
The day also emphasizes the importance of listening to children’s voices and involving them in decisions that affect their lives. By recognizing children’s perspectives and experiences, societies can create more effective policies and programs tailored to their specific needs.
It:
- Honors the courageous students who confronted injustice.
- Draws attention to Africa’s ongoing struggle for high-quality education.
- Supports the defense and advancement of children’s rights.
- Provides a platform for the voices of children to be heard.
- Encourages collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life for African children.
Among the central goals of the observance is promoting awareness of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and advocating for children’s rights across the continent.
It offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made and identify areas requiring further attention. This day is not just a commemoration; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to building a better future for all African children.
How to Observe the Day of the African Child
On the International Day of the African Child, governments, NGOs, educators, and international organizations come together to discuss the challenges African children face, especially regarding access to education. Here are a few ways to observe this day:
- Contribute to a charity that supports African children’s education.
- Watch the documentary Uprize, which focuses on the Soweto Uprising.
- Learn about South Africa’s history and the impact of apartheid on the nation.
- Raise awareness on social media.
Conclusion
As we commemorate the 2025 Day of the African Child, we should remember that meaningful investment is the first step toward lasting change. Let us work together to ensure that every child is protected, educated, healthy, and heard.
Planning and budgeting with children in mind should remain a top priority. Together, we can create a world where every child truly matters.
