TAWLA calls for child development
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday June 19, 2018 14:24
The Day of the African Child has been celebrated each year on June 16 since 1991, when the Organisation of African Unity first initiated it. It honours South African youth, who participated in the Soweto Uprising of 1979. This year’s event was hosted under the theme ‘Leave No Child Behind for Africa’s Development’.
Speaking at the June 16 celebration hosted at the University of Botswana recently, Gilika said the day also helped them increase awareness of the continued need for improvement of the education provided to children in Africa. She added that the day must also remind them to take stock of the situation of the violation of children’s rights and help them take appropriate measures to ensure their children’s wellbeing.
“Research tells a very clear story that millions of children are being left behind at every development milestone, sadly, those left behind are extremely poor. Gaps in what children need to grow up healthy and resilient continue to widen, as children get older. To close these significant equity gaps, programmes and resources must be targeted to all children, especially those in areas that are difficult to reach,” she said.
She explained that for children to have the best start possible in life, their health and education should be a priority, especially for those living with disabilities and those in geographically far-flung areas. She said in 2018 and beyond, it is critical for individuals, civil society, private organisations, education institutions and government to work together to combine efforts that ensure quality education and empowerment for all children. She said when children have access to quality education everyone wins.
“An educated child is likely to increase personal earning and gets prepared for a productive and fulfilling life, as well as reduce poverty in family and whole community. To all young people, our beloved youth remember that your success depends on your attitude toward success. Your attitude determines your success,” she advised.
TAWLA, The African Women Leadership Academy, is a non-governmental organisation established to empower young women and girls through leadership skills training, mentoring and networking.
Meanwhile, reverent Mike Moletasaka urged the youth to take that opportunity to ignite and understand why those SA children fought for their rights. He said the youth were the breath of the struggle adding that since Botswana is the nose of Africa, it would never sleep, as it can smell what happens around the world before it happens.