By David Francis Kimotho, Programs Officer, Mission Development Office, Kenya (Province of Eastern Central Africa)

On June 16, 2025, at Bon Pasteur Kolwezi, over 1,800 children gathered across six MAHUWA project sites (Kanina, Musonoi, Kapata, Tshala, Mukoma, and Kabamba) to celebrate the Day of the African Child in an event that expressed a powerful message for change. Accompanied by their families, staff, and community members, a total of 1,889 participants came together to observe this year’s theme, “Children’s Rights Planning and Budgeting” – a theme rooted in the belief that every child deserves a voice in their future and the resources to thrive.

This annual event is rooted in the memory of the courageous Soweto Uprising of 1976 when thousands of children marched to demand their right to quality education taught in their native language. Their brave voices brought global attention to the systemic injustices they faced. Tragically, many lost their lives.

Today, the annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, dignity, and opportunity for Africa’s children. It calls on all of us to consider the gaps that still jeopardize the future of millions of young people across the continent.

The event at Bon Pasteur Kolwezi was more than a celebration; it was an empowerment experience for all the children, families, and teachers present. Participants sang, painted, debated, and competed in activities designed to educate them on their core rights, including life, education, identity, health, and family.

Through interactive workshops, the children explored these rights not as abstract concepts but as the cornerstones of their dreams and futures. Civic engagement activities inspired discussions where even the youngest participants envisioned a world shaped by fairness and opportunity.

At Bon Pasteur Kolwezi, the Day of the African Child was an extension of the larger mission carried out, which – with the support of Good Shepherd International Foundation – aims to empower families affected by artisanal mining and provide children with safe spaces to learn and grow. From offering education at the Bon Pasteur Centre to fostering avenues for leadership, the project is an urgent response to the injustices and systemic challenges children in these regions face.

The Day of the African Child does more than look back at a history of struggle; it looks forward to a future full of potential. This year’s theme on children’s rights planning and budgeting serves as a stark reminder that equitable resource allocation and policymaking truly center on the needs of children.

By participating in events like this, supporting child-focused programs, and raising awareness, every one of us – sisters, partners-in-mission, program participants, students, and families – can become part of the movement to safeguard and advance the rights of children across Africa.

Follow the social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) of the Province of Eastern Central Africa to learn more about the Good Shepherd mission in Kenya, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.