WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
“ The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the OAU Organization of African Unity. It honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children.
“ 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, the most famous of which being Hector Pieterson. And More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured.
“ On June 16 every year, governments, NGOs, international organizations and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of the rights of children in Africa.” Wikipedia
Kyaka II Refugees Commemorated the 2022 International Day of the African Child-IDAC on Thursday June, 16 2022 in Kakoni zone, cell B Playground having: “ The Uganda’s Progress in Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children through Policy and Practice since 2013” as a National Theme.
The event that would have started almost three hours earlier, according to the event’s schedule of activities; its lateness that speculations resolved in many different ways didn’t harm in any way its outcomes. Children’s March accompanied by wonderful melodies of a brass band opened curtains for the ceremony. The march commenced at the Kakoni Football Ground which was the venue of the ceremony and compassed around the Kakoni A & Kakoni B cells. As they walked (children, parents, local leaders, Governmental, International & local stakeholders) they sang and danced harmoniously celebrating for the Children’s Rights Emancipation.
In her remarks, Madam Doris MPOZA who was the UN-Refugee Agency Representative in the event thanked local structures and RWC III structures, OPM and all other partner organizations for all they did to color the event the way it was. He also reminded the audience that COVID 19 has gone nowhere that people should get loosen from COVID 19 SOPs. He reassured the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ support and assistance in order to have children enjoying their rights in abundance without discrimination.
The Office of The Prime Minister’s communication was delivered by Mr. Abdunuru who is the Zone Commandant at Kakoni zone. He reminded children that their rights will be granted to them easily if they fulfill their responsibilities. Obedience for their parents, caregivers, teachers and all other people in their communities (old or young) will have much role to play in their social well-being. He also requested the parents attend that they should treat their children who got pregnant while they were at school. He said that those children have to be supported and deliver well then get assisted back to school and pursue their education.
The guest of honor was Mr. NYAKABWA AUGUSTINE, Senior Probation and Social Welfare Officer/ Local Government –Kyegegwa District – Uganda. He reminded the audience that harmful practices that negatively affect the African child still exist today, and that they make it difficult for children to realize their full potential. And that their Growth, Development and survival are dangerously hampered. He also assured that the Ugandan government many landmarks for protecting the rights of children saying: “Uganda has made quite remarkable progress in ensuring that children, both refugees and nationals enjoy their rights and freedoms –
- A lot of legislations are in place that include among others; The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 as amended, The Children Act Cap 59 as amended, The Children Policy 2020, The Education Act etc. All these target and strive to make the situation of children (National and Refugees) better.
- There is an open door refugee policy to ensure protection and reintegration of children.
- A lot of effort is put on infrastructure development especially for schools and hospitals so that children are safe and learning.”
He ended his remarks for the day outlining some possible challenges that children still face and which may continue hindering them from enjoying their rights even in future days. Some of them include but not remitted to: A lot of negative practices that include sexual abuse (defilement) that leads to teenage pregnancies, marriage and loss of education opportunities; Child trafficking, exploitation and enslavement, Disease outbreaks and pandemics that have claimed the lives of children, parents, and caregivers; And global, regional, national and community wars that are increasing the number of refugees, etc.
The event was closed by the Inspection of the exhibition and Rehabilitation clinic by the guest of honor and partners in the late afternoon.
