FAWE Kenya Calls for Inclusive Education to Empower African Children on Day of the African Child
As the world celebrates the Day of the African Child, Kenyans are honoring the brave young heroes of the 1976 Soweto uprising, who demanded quality education for all.
This year’s commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the duty to ensure every African child receives the education they deserve.
Speaking during the commemoration on Friday, in Nairobi county,Jeanette Nyanjom, Chief Executive Officer of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Kenya, emphasized the significance of this occasion.
“The bravery of the Soweto youth heroes inspires us to redouble our efforts in championing gender equity and education, which are key to driving social change,
” she said.
FAWE Kenya, a leading advocate for inclusive education, acknowledges the progress made, but recognizes that many children, especially girls, still face barriers such as poverty, cultural practices, and gender-based violence.
However, Nyanjom remains hopeful, citing the resilience of children, the dedication of teachers, and the support of communities as sources of inspiration.
“As we celebrate the Day of the African Child, we must commit to addressing social and cultural barriers to education, and fostering environments that enable the holistic development of our children,” Nyanjom declared. “Investing in the education of our children is investing in Africa’s future. Let us nurture, protect, and empower the African child.”
The Day of the African Child is an annual event observed on June 16th to commemorate the 1976 Soweto uprising, where students protested against the inferior quality of education and the imposition of the Afrikaans language in schools.
This year’s theme, “Inclusive Education: The Key to Social Change,” underscores the vital role of education in shaping a more equitable and just society.
In a significant stride towards children’s rights and welfare, the Kenyan government’s Directorate of Children’s Services from the Ministry of Labour also in attendance marked the day in collaboration with relevant ministries and partners.
The celebration underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to combating child labour, one of the gravest forms of abuse that deprives many children of their fundamental right to education.
Recognizing that children make up the largest segment of the Kenyan population, the Directorate works hand in hand with both state and non-state actors to deliver on its mandate of protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of children.
“The ‘best interest of the child’ is the primary consideration in all our efforts,” stated Paul Achia, representative official from the Directorate. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment for children, irrespective of age, gender, origin, creed, language, or disability.”
The Directorate’s collaboration with various ministries and partners has been instrumental in addressing the issue of child labour and ensuring that all children in Kenya can access their fundamental rights, including the right to education.
“We acknowledge the strong relationships we have cultivated with other government departments, the private sector, and our partners,” Paul Achia added. “This has been a key enabler in our child protection endeavors.”
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