Teacher's Journal: Celebrating The Day Of the African Child

The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16^th every year since 1991, which it was first initiated by the organization of African Unity. This day honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day, in South Africa.
In Soweto, on June 19, 1976, about 10,000 black school children marched in a column more than half a mile long, protesting about the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young children were shot. More than a hundred people were killed in the protests of the following two weeks, and more than a thousand were injured. On the 16^th June the number of people who died is usually given as 176, with estimates up to 700.
The Day of the African Child commemorates those who were killed on this tragic day, and it also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children. It is a reminder that our children matters and dark skin is not a badge of shame; but rather a glorious masterpiece, created by God. Community Hope School took the time to celebrate this day, making it clear straight away that this day was about them (the Children). We had some performances from each grade, all about the African Child. These performances ranged from poems, songs and dances. It was really amazing to see all the children dressed up in their traditional clothes, all talking and laughing, enjoying the day’s celebrations. The children did an excellent job with all the performances! The day was indeed special.

Gr.4 Performing

Gr.5. Judd reading Eku McGred's Poem

I am an African Child by Eku McGred

I am an African child
Born with a skin the colour of chocolate
Bright, brilliant and articulate
Strong and bold; I'm gifted
Talented enough to be the best
I am an African child

Often the target of pity
My future is not confined to charity
Give me the gift of a lifetime;
Give me a dream, a door of opportunity;
I will thrive
I am an African child

Do not hide my fault
show me my wrong
I am like any other;
Teach me to dream
And I will become
I am an African child

I am the son, daughter of the soil
Rich in texture and content
Full of potential for a better tomorrow
Teach me discipline, teach me character, teach me hard work
Teach me to think like the star within me
I am an African child

I can be extra-ordinary
call me William Kamkwamba the Inventor;
Give me a library with books
Give me a scrap yard and discarded electronics
Give me a broken bicycle;
Plus the freedom to be me
And I will build you a wind mill
I am an African child

We are the new generation
Not afraid to be us
Uniquely gifted, black and talented
Shining like the stars we are
We are the children of Africa
Making the best of us
Yes! I am an African Child