International Day of the African Child

Hello Impactful Community!

I will start with thanks today. A sincere thanks to everyone who takes the time to read the monthly newsletter and provide me with positive feedback. I appreciate it and the feedback spurs me on to keep writing!

The International Day of the African Child

Today, 16 June, is one of the days that we honour the African child. I say one because there are other days for honouring African children. For example, 13 June is International Albinism Awareness Day, a day to reflect on the plight of people with albinism in many parts of the world, especially on the African continent.

Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest prevalence of albinism globally. By implication, the statistic raises awareness of what is happening to children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

But today it's about #The International Day of the African Child. Last year when I posted about this on LinkedIn and Facebook, I had not read about the origins or significance of the day. I know better now.

Origin of International Day of the African Child

The origins of the day are sombre. The quote below is from National Today.

“On June 16, 1971, more than 20,000 South African students in the township of Soweto took to the streets — demanding to be taught in their own language. Armed police officers responded by murdering hundreds of protesters.?

Now a public holiday in South Africa referred to as Youth Day, it’s also recognized as International Day of the African Child throughout the world.?

The day focuses attention on the barriers African children face in order to receive a quality education. Let us observe this day together and pay our respects to past students who gave their lives to their community by helping students today reach their goals.”

It is painful to read, isn’t it? But it represents a part of the reality of the struggle during apartheid in South Africa.?

The last sentence is what we grow by and hopefully learn from - the untimely deaths of so many led to the success of others in the future, which is here and now. It is still a journey.

How Can We Help to Make a Difference?

I don’t have the answer to this question, but I encourage you to look at the website above, perhaps it will guide you. I have not vetted any of the charities on the site. One of my chosen charities is Charity Water.?

As you know, I aim to raise awareness.

Invitation to an Event - 16 June 2023, 3 p.m. CEST

YOU ARE INVITED to a UNESCO Twitter Event today 16 June 2023 @ 3 p.m. Central European Time (CEST) - Click here for the link to the event.

June’s Recommended Resource

This month’s recommended resource is from Piplo Productions,? a conscious company producing stories for social good! On the first day of every month, the books are accessible for free on their website.???

The organisation collaborates with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the International Rescue Committee? to support families, providing disaster-related resources. The books have been translated into seven languages.

Have a look at the site!? Piplo Productions

Conclusion

It’s a short entry today as I reflect and think about ways that I can continue to make a difference.

If you have any questions or ideas for future newsletters telling the story of your work as an early educator in Sub-Saharan Africa, please email me: [email protected]?

Thanks for reading! Have a good weekend ahead.?

As always -in service of young learners.

Patricia Mezu, M.A.Ed., L.L.M. | Founder and Director Professional Minds MEA | www.prminds.org