On the Day of the African Child, ANIDA Liberia held a grand celebration to commemorate the deaths of hundreds of black students
“30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children.”
This is the theme chosen by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) to celebrate the Day of the African Child (DAC). The DAC event is held in remembrance of the children shot by police officials during a protest for the right to quality education in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976.
The brutal events that took place on that day have left a permanent mark in the minds of both African children and parents, creating negativity and hesitancy towards education. At ANIDA, we constantly promote education and its importance. On June 16, 2021, ANIDA Liberia held a grand celebration in Ganta to raise awareness among the children of Liberia on their fundamental rights.
Throughout the day of the event, the team held a talent show for the children. Some children danced; others sang. Afterwards, the children were taken for a community walk, where they dressed up in African attire. This celebration allows children to think of education and learning as a fun activity, which they are entitled to.
The team also spoke to parents in a nearby community and had a detailed discussion addressing disparities in the education sector, domestic violence, and gender-based violence. Overall, ANIDA was very successful in raising awareness and changing the mental stigma that revolves around education in Africa. The event had a positive response, and we hope to expand the DAC celebration into different cities in Nimba and Liberia.