Addressing Challenges Children Face; Day of the African Child.

Children face numerous challenges when growing and without knowing who and where to report. Even if they know where to report, the question is; is the attention given to them? And how are these
challenges addressed? Some advocates always echo child protection in the ears of parents and care givers. Child protection goes beyond feeding, clothing, educating and protecting. It involves giving your ears to children and that warm welcome to always walk to you, and share challenges together.


On 16 June, 1976; the right of many children were abused in Soweto - South Africa during a protest against the poor quality of their education. And demanding the right to be taught in their own language. What is the essence of education if instruction is given and teaching is done in a language which is not clear to the pupil? The question goes on and on!
During the protest, majority of these children lost their lives whilst others were injured. They would have been an asset to Africa.

This  day has been celebrated each year to honour the children who participated in the protest also known as "Soweto Uprising". On this day, governments and stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of children's right. This year's celebration is dubbed under the theme: CONFLICT AND CRISIS IN AFRICA; PROTECTING ALL CHILDREN'S RIGHT.  No matter the crisis facing Africa, the rights of children needs and must be protected. With that, we can say Africa has a future. Many African countries have already taken up the mantle and Ghana is also following suit. Government has developed policies like the Child and Family Welfare Policy, which seeks to promote the development of children through various mechanism.
Theresa Laryea - a young person and member of Curious Minds, shares her opinion.

Theresa K. Laryea -Ghana. Curious Minds

"I'm not allowed to speak out my problems and also, no attention is given to me. Due to this, I always share my problems with church members who I confide and believe they can help. As a girl child, I have managed to stay out of trouble but not all children will do or approach the right people. This also leads them to people who can harm them or abuse their right.
The issue of child protection is not taken seriously in most communities. Hence forth, our right to opinion is infringed upon. For now, government has taken up the issue and its really helping to pull children out of other related issues like rape and defilement, violence and the like.
As we celebrate the day of the African Child, I call on parents to give children the necessary attention and support. We are children by choice and not by chance".

It takes nothing to give children your ears but if you don't, you put a bright future in danger, shutting big dreams. Lives won't be lost if children where given attention in Soweto. The damage has been caused and lessons has been learnt.  Never should that happen again! Let's do what will trigger development and not what will retard progress bringing us sorrows.

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Inspired by: Mr. Kingsley Obeng - Kyereh - Executive Coordinator Curious Minds.