Every year on the 16th June, children all over Africa celebrate the International Day of the African Child. This date marks the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on which 10,000 South African children marched in protest for their poor quality of education, demanding to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young students were shot and thousands injured.
The day honours those who participated in the uprising as well as raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children. Annually, Governments, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realisation of the rights of children on the African continent.
This year’s theme was ‘Leave No Child Behind for Africa’s Development’ and on Thursday 14th June all 186 students from Magbenteh Community Boarding School took part in a programme to demonstrate just that!
Each of the five classes presented material in a variety of formats, including poetry; drama; singing and dancing, demonstrating their passion for education for a brighter future, career aspirations, equality and the fight against child abuse.
Guardians and parents came to watch their children perform, with beaming smiles, it was a wonderful and memorable occasion.
