By Aminata Benk- Sankoh
Each time that the Day of the African Child is celebrated, it gives us a pause, a moment to reflect on the trials and tribulations, and the prospects and opportunities for children right from the slums of Kibera in Nairobi, the farms in Mongor Sierra Leone, the alleyways of Waterside in Monrovia, the dancing kids gyrating to the sounds of Eddie Kenzo on the streets of Kampala, and those kids at Mukamira born to code at the Rwanda Coding Academy.
Let’s forget for a moment the zombie and quite often trance-like state that we now see children as well as adults in our communities, consumed by the Kush substance, a mixture of cannabis, fentanyl, tramadol, formaldehyde and – according to some – ground down human bones. Recently, Liberia declared the use of the substance a public health emergency, Sierra Leone followed afterwards, and now, I heard Guinea and The Gambia are also dealing with this apocalypse.
But the African Child is better than this. At Fourah Bay College where I am also a student, a colleague of ours, literally still a baby is studying Social Work and is in his first year. He earned himself the right to be in a class where he was still young enough to be sent to buy checks or fried rice at Obelisk by his classmates without any complaint from him. Besides the above, In honour of the African Child Day, we reflect on the rich tapestry of cultures, talents, and promises that define the youth across the continent.
This annual observance, marked on June 16th, pays homage to the brave students of Soweto who stood against injustice in 1976, sparking a movement for educational equity and human rights. In Sierra Leone, children have also had their Soweto moments. Conscripted as child soldiers and given bush rank titles such as General Spare No Soul or Brigadier Evil Forest, roughly 10,000-14,000 of them took part in the war between 1991 and 2002. I did not witness the war, but I was told of how children became both victims and perpetrators.
I was told of the abductions, the gang rapes, the forced marriages as Bush wives and how most were deprived of the opportunity of an education and to grow up as a normal kid. The story is similar in Liberia, Mali, and South Sudan and you name the myriad conflict zones in the continent. However, today, the African child continues to inspire with their resilience and determination in the face of challenges. From urban centres to remote villages, their laughter echoes through bustling streets and tranquil landscapes alike, embodying a spirit undeterred by adversity. Education remains a cornerstone of their aspirations, a beacon of hope guiding them towards a brighter future.
In every corner of Africa, from the bustling markets of Freetown to the serene corners of Spur Loop, children are forging paths filled with creativity and promise. They excel in fields as diverse as technology, arts, sports, and academia, showcasing the continent’s boundless potential. Their voices resonate in the halls of classrooms, advocating for sustainable development, gender equality, and social justice. Yet, amidst these triumphs, challenges persist. Many children still lack access to quality education, healthcare, and necessities.
The journey towards ensuring every African child enjoys their rights remains ongoing. However, the resilience ingrained in the African spirit continues to shine through, driving communities and nations forward. As we celebrate the African Child, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing their dreams and safeguarding their rights. Let us amplify their voices and empower them to shape their destinies. Together, we can build a future where every child in Africa thrives, where their potential knows no bounds, and where their dreams become reality. African Child Day is not just a celebration; it is a call to action, a call to ensure that every child’s laughter rings freely and their future shines brightly across the vibrant landscapes of Africa.
