Day of the African Child: A tribute to the past, a promise to the future

Every year on June 16th, Africa pauses not just in remembrance, but to reaffirm its commitment to its most vital resource: its children.

The Day of the African Child (DAC) is more than an annual event.

It’s a powerful movement that advocates for children’s rights and challenges the systemic issues that continue to deny many African children a full, vibrant childhood.

This day traces back to a pivotal moment in Soweto, South Africa, on June 16, 1976.

That morning, thousands of students marched to protest the apartheid regime’s Bantu Education system, which mandated Afrikaans as the primary language of instruction.

They demanded quality education in their native tongues, a stand for dignity and cultural identity.

Tragically, the peaceful protest was met with brutal force. Hundreds of children were killed, their cries for justice drowned by gunfire.

The image of a dying 12-year-old Hector Pieterson, carried by a fellow student as his sister ran beside them, seared itself into history as a haunting symbol of both oppression and courage.

For years, the tragedy remained a painful reminder of lost potential.

Then, in 1991, the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) declared June 16th the Day of the African Child, turning sorrow into a catalyst for awareness, action, and celebration of resilience.

Despite progress, many challenges persist.

According to UNICEF, sub-Saharan Africa still has the highest number of out-of-school children.

One in five children aged 6–11 and one in three aged 12–14 are not attending school. Child labour also continues to rob children of their future.

“Children have the right to quality education, but education systems are failing far too many of them,” said Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, during last year’s DAC. “To ensure prosperity in Africa, we urgently need to turn commitments into concrete action.”

Yet amid the hardship, there are stories of hope, African children carving their paths and defying limitations.

In a series of interviews with The Standard, three Kenyan children shared their dreams and talents.

Thirteen-year-old Jeff Kigi, a budding golfer, discovered his passion through family influence.

“I was nine when I started. Golf isn’t just a game, it’s about discipline and strategy,” he said, his maturity shining through.

Jeff’s dedication shows the value of nurturing children’s interests.

Another young talent is Barack Kamau, a violinist and student at Dophine Field International School.

Inspired by his sister, Barack began playing at age seven. “I perform depending on the occasion, like love songs at weddings, and share the videos online,” he said.

He’s also developed a methodical approach to balancing his art with academics: “I dedicate Monday to Thursday to school, and Fridays and Saturdays to music.” His story reflects a harmonious blend of talent, hard work, and digital-savvy ambition.

In the world of performing arts, 12-year-old Zawadi Kayyoh stands out as a multifaceted star. From a young age, her cheerful spirit and striking confidence caught everyone’s attention.

Known for her rare ability to memorise scripts instantly, even in foreign languages, Zawadi has amazed directors and audiences alike. “Some say it’s like I have unlimited cloud storage in my brain,” she joked.

Her love for hosting started at age three when she auditioned for KTN’s “I Can Sing.”

A year later, she appeared on KTN’s Life and Style, eventually earning an entire episode dedicated to her. By 2020, at just seven years old, she secured a hosting role on K24, cementing her place in the entertainment industry.

“Hosting family fun days brings me joy. I love seeing families come together, learning and having fun,” she shared.

Zawadi is not just a host; she’s also a poet, singer, actress, model, and public speaker.

She aspires to reach Hollywood and host a teen show before transitioning to news anchoring or investigative journalism. Her ambitions also extend beyond media; she dreams of launching a fashion line and a chain of restaurants.

Her advice to fellow children: “Dream big and work hard. Not everyone will be happy for you, but never let that stop you.”