This is a day commemorated every year since 1991 in recognition of thousands of black school children in Soweto, South Africa, who took to the streets in 1976 to protest against the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young boys and girls were shot and in the two weeks of protest that followed, more than 100 people were killed and more than 1,000 were injured.

The day of the African Child was initiated by the Organisation of African Unity to honour all the children who participated in the Soweto Uprising. It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children. This year marks the 17th anniversary of the commemorations. The theme this year is, ‘Right to Participation: Let Children be Seen and Heard’.

Issues journalists can address:-

The day can be used to highlight the various children’s rights so that children are aware of their rights especially those that concern their health. Children have rights to information, good health, safety and protection among other rights. Very few children know about the rights that are entitled to them.

1. Journalists need to inform and educate the African children of the various rights that they have as specified in various instruments, for example, the Convention of the Rights of the Children, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on the Rights of the Child.

1. This day is recognised throughout the world as an opportunity to reflect on progress made towards health, education, equality and protection for all the continent’s children. Highlight various successes made and challenges faced in the implementation of children’s rights. Evaluate if the African children are enjoying these rights, if so explain how and if not, expose the hindrances to the enjoyment of the children’s rights.

1. Many children in Africa are dying as a result of HIV and AIDS. Many more are being orphaned as a result of HIV and AIDS and some have since assumed roles of care givers who look after their sick parents and relatives, is this not an abuse to children who are themselves supposed to be taken care of and to be protected? What can be done to improve the roles that they are now assuming?

1. Are children given priority in terms of health issues and treatment programmes? Are children accessing anti-retroviral drugs? How can journalists become involved in advocating for more child-centred HIV and AIDS interventions as well as advocating for the empowerment of girl children?

SOURCES

1. http://www.globalhealth.org/news/article/8818
2. http://www.hrea.org/feature-events/african-child-day.php
3. http://www.unicef.org/media/media_40005.html
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_the_African_Child