ADS Southrift Joins the World in Commemorating the Day of the African Child
16th June 2025: ADS Southrift, through its Bomet CCCD Project and Compassion-assisted projects, joined community members and other key stakeholders on 16th June 2025 to commemorate the Day of the African Child (DAC). The annual event brought together children, caregivers, community leaders, and partners to celebrate the resilience, potential, and rights of African children.
The Day of the African Child is observed every year on 16th June across the continent. It traces its roots to the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, where thousands of students took to the streets to demand quality education and equal rights. Tragically, hundreds lost their lives in the protests. Since 1991, this day has been set aside to honour their courage and to reflect on the progress made in promoting children’s rights and welfare in Africa.
Speaking during the event, local leaders and project representatives emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the responsibility that governments, communities, and development partners share in creating a safe and nurturing environment for every child. It highlights critical issues such as access to education, healthcare, child protection, and equal opportunities—especially for children living in marginalized areas.
For Africa and the world at large, the Day of the African Child is an important call to action—urging all to work together towards a continent where every child can thrive. By commemorating this day, communities are encouraged to renew their commitment to child welfare, ensuring that children are not only protected but also empowered to realize their full potential. The expected outcome is a society that values children’s voices, upholds their rights, and actively invests in their holistic development.
ADS Southrift expressed deep appreciation to its long-standing partners—Help a Child Africa and Compassion International—for their continued support in ensuring that its projects are part of this significant celebration. Their ontributions have enabled thousands of children to access education, health care, and psychosocial support, fostering hope and transformation within families and communities.
As the 2025 theme “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010” echoed through the celebrations, participants were reminded that investing in children today is investing in Africa’s future. The commemoration was not only a celebration but also a reaffirmation of ADS Southrift’s commitment to championing child rights and creating a brighter, safer, and more equitable world for every African child.
