Commemorating young revolutionaries
Being an African child has proven to be a challenge for many. The pros and cons are evident, especially in Namibia.
Elizabeth Joseph
Day of the African Child was celebrated on 16 June under the theme ‘Leave No Child Behind for Africa’s Development’.
We always wonder whether governments are doing enough to make sure that children are protected, educated and well-equipped to be the leaders they want them to be.
Namibia
Many a times this is not the case. Let’s look at what the Namibian government has done for the country’s children.
Firstly, there is a lot of havoc being caused by not having winter time and the negative effect this has on children, especially those living in less than desirable circumstances. Some of them start walking to school at as early as 05:00, to make sure they are on time.
Take children from the Hakahana settlement, for example. Most of them do not have proper school uniforms that would protect them from the harsh winds of this winter. One school in particular has made use of the platoon system (double session), since its inception in 1999, making it even more crucial for these children to wake up and make their way to school earlier, to be able to attend the first session.
Moses //Garoëb Primary School recently received a donation from the Japanese government, which helped it to completely rid itself of the platoon system.
Speaking at the handing over of the classrooms at the school, basic education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa said not having winter time has a negative effect on the children.
“As we all know, we have abolished the Time Act, whereby there was winter and summer time. I am fully aware of the challenges which come with that. It is very dark when the children have to walk to schools, and I have taken serious cognisance of this matter,” she said.
In terms of making sure no child is left behind, Namibia is doing its part by making the necessary sacrifices to make sure every child attends school, even if they have to take part in the platoon system.
The Forum for the Future is an NGO which brings people from different backgrounds together to discuss issues of common concern. FFF organises conferences, seminars, workshops and group discussions at national, regional and local level.
During such occasions Namibians express themselves freely, thereby promoting a culture of openness.
FFF collaborates with all Namibians and recognises their organisations and institutions, regardless of their racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, political affiliations or sexual preferences.
The Day of African Child was celebrated with a workshop that was made possible by FFF. A 30 people attended it. Both young people and the older generation were represented.
The workshop was titled ‘Is Africa’s transformation in the hands of the youth?’
It was facilitated by FFF project coordinator, Eva Awases and a representative of the Children’s Movement, Anna Hangula.
“The workshop concluded on a high note. Everyone was participative and wished for more platforms of such nature,” said Awases.
“All over Africa, there are remarkable young people, creating and moulding their own futures. We need more of that - young visionaries, not waiting for the government to do something about their living conditions and education quality,” she added.
Celebrating the African child should not be a once-off thing.
Children of Africa should be celebrated daily and they need to feel safe and supported.
Wherever you found yourself on the Day of the African Child, we hope you were celebrated and felt like the champion you are.
Day of the African Child was celebrated on 16 June under the theme ‘Leave No Child Behind for Africa’s Development’.
We always wonder whether governments are doing enough to make sure that children are protected, educated and well-equipped to be the leaders they want them to be.
Namibia
Many a times this is not the case. Let’s look at what the Namibian government has done for the country’s children.
Firstly, there is a lot of havoc being caused by not having winter time and the negative effect this has on children, especially those living in less than desirable circumstances. Some of them start walking to school at as early as 05:00, to make sure they are on time.
Take children from the Hakahana settlement, for example. Most of them do not have proper school uniforms that would protect them from the harsh winds of this winter. One school in particular has made use of the platoon system (double session), since its inception in 1999, making it even more crucial for these children to wake up and make their way to school earlier, to be able to attend the first session.
Moses //Garoëb Primary School recently received a donation from the Japanese government, which helped it to completely rid itself of the platoon system.
Speaking at the handing over of the classrooms at the school, basic education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa said not having winter time has a negative effect on the children.
“As we all know, we have abolished the Time Act, whereby there was winter and summer time. I am fully aware of the challenges which come with that. It is very dark when the children have to walk to schools, and I have taken serious cognisance of this matter,” she said.
In terms of making sure no child is left behind, Namibia is doing its part by making the necessary sacrifices to make sure every child attends school, even if they have to take part in the platoon system.
The Forum for the Future is an NGO which brings people from different backgrounds together to discuss issues of common concern. FFF organises conferences, seminars, workshops and group discussions at national, regional and local level.
During such occasions Namibians express themselves freely, thereby promoting a culture of openness.
FFF collaborates with all Namibians and recognises their organisations and institutions, regardless of their racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, political affiliations or sexual preferences.
The Day of African Child was celebrated with a workshop that was made possible by FFF. A 30 people attended it. Both young people and the older generation were represented.
The workshop was titled ‘Is Africa’s transformation in the hands of the youth?’
It was facilitated by FFF project coordinator, Eva Awases and a representative of the Children’s Movement, Anna Hangula.
“The workshop concluded on a high note. Everyone was participative and wished for more platforms of such nature,” said Awases.
“All over Africa, there are remarkable young people, creating and moulding their own futures. We need more of that - young visionaries, not waiting for the government to do something about their living conditions and education quality,” she added.
Celebrating the African child should not be a once-off thing.
Children of Africa should be celebrated daily and they need to feel safe and supported.
Wherever you found yourself on the Day of the African Child, we hope you were celebrated and felt like the champion you are.
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