YADEF Commemoration – Day of the African Child, June 16th 2024 in Cameroon

YADEF on June 16th 2024 joined other local and international Child Protection Area of Responsibility (AoR) partners in North West and South West regions of Cameroon to commemorate the Day of the African Child in Buea, Cameroon. The event which was hosted at the campus of the Pan-African Institute for Development (PAID-WA) Buea brought together various stakeholders; local, international NGOs, United Nations Agencies, government actors, parents, and other stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment in championing the rights of the African Child. June 16th is a day that commemorates those killed during the Soweto Uprising in South Africa in 1976 when several protests and demonstrations carried out against inequality and educational injustice during the regime of apartheid. According to estimates, over 20,000 students participated in the protests and they were met with brutality from the police while others were killed. The day also raises awareness of the ongoing need to improve access to quality education for children in Africa. According to the African Union, the 2024 theme for the Day of the African Child is “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now.” This theme ties with the cry of all children in Cameroon especially in conflicted affected regions whose right to education is being violated. The theme also aligns with the African Union’s Year of Education, which aims to increase access to quality and inclusive, lifelong and relevant learning for every child in Africa. Also to note is that this day annually commemorated on June 16th, as a significant occasion to reaffirm the continent’s collective commitment to the well-being and educational rights of children across Africa. At a time when children in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon have been deprived from their right to education for years now, this day was a reigniting for every education promoter to continue to re-echo their voices for peace and zero attack on education. The following but not exclusive were some key activities; • Spoken Artist and wonderful display from children • Drama display from children • Traditional dance display from children • Speeches from children • Drilling on the rights and responsibilities of children including the role of the parents/caregivers/families, communities, NGOs, etc. in ensuring protection of children • Special speeches from parents, Coordinators of local and International NGOs operating Cameroon • Reflections on the various child rights violations and abuses; kidnappings, maiming, forced labour, child marriage, recruitment of children in armed groups, etc. in Cameroon • Distribution of scholastic materials by Street Child of Cameroon like books, school bags, dignity kits, etc, as part of support crisis affected children who were part of the commemoration Special thanks to the Child Protection AoR NWSW regions of Cameroon, Street Child of Cameroon, UNICEF and all local and international partners who reaffirmed through one voice to stand with and support the children. Together we can join efforts and take collective actions to give hope, rebuild the lives of children affected by climate uncertainties and the conflicts in the North West, South West, East and Far North regions of Cameroon. We are a non-profit organization which depends greatly on donations. Your support will go a long way to increase access to education for a conflicted affected child in Cameroon. Reach out to us via info@yadef.org / yadef.foundation@hotmail.com