By Samsideen Ceesay
Young People in the Media (YPM) will Saturday join the rest of the world to commemorate Day of the African Child.
This year’s celebration will be commemorated under the theme ‘Leave No Child Behind for Africa’s Development.’
According to YPM executive coordinator, Abdou Jatta, the day was instituted in 1991 by the Assembly of Heads of States and Government of the then OAU, now AU in memory of the 16th June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa.
On that faithful day, students marched in protest against poor quality education and made demands for their courses to be taught in their own languages.
“As we observe the Day of the African Child- the Agenda 2063 represents an African reflection of the SDGs by presenting a development framework for achieving socio-economic development in and for Africa, based on seven aspirations. These include a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development and an Africa of good governance, democracy and respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law,” Jatta explained.
He pointed out that the African Committees of Experts (ACERWC) reaffirms the 2018 event and wishes to reiterate the alignment between the global Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s flagship development Agenda 2063 dubbed “the Africa We Want” –as well as the alignment between Agenda 2030 and the ACERWC’s Agenda 2040.
“We wish to use this opportunity once again to reaffirm our commitment towards working on the SDGs Agenda 2030. Our continuous assurance to work with government and all stakeholders in child protection and advocate on issues and laws in place on the promotion and protection of the child rights and equity agenda for the young people of our beloved country.”
Organisers say this day will be celebrated in the form of a march-pass and a panel discussion on its significance.
