Every year on June 16, Rwanda joins the rest of the world to mark the ‘Day of the African Child’. The day has been observed annually since 1991 in memory of thousands of black school children who were maimed and killed in the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa, as they took to the streets to protest the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language.

Education talked to some youngsters about what the day means to them.

Tiphene Utuje, 17

The Day of the African Child is a very good way to empower Africans at large because at the end of the day, today’s child is tomorrow’s adult. I believe that actions speak louder than words; and so with this day, and what is done, youngsters not only in Africa but around the world realise their worth. This, I hope, is making a change starting from the younger generation.

Shema Brian, 11

This day reminds me that I have the right to education, I mean a better education. It also reminds me that I am valuable among my peers and in society. When my Soweto peers marched in 1991, that was a remarkable representation that we all need equal and quality education. The good thing about that is that we now have what they struggled for.

Israel Manzi, 15

Despite the struggles that our parents endured, the Day of the African Child reminds me that I cannot be a prisoner of my parents’ generation mistakes. It means that I am important and that I can achieve great things as an African child, especially as a Rwandan, I have the power to make a change.

Hervine Umutamba, 11

I like the ‘Day of the African Child’ though I’ve always found it weird that it is not a holiday. But the day is a great inspiration! It is one of those things that take you back to where it all started — when kids marched for their rights — it really inspired me and reminds me of my rights which protect me from any kind of violence or abuse.

Dan Ishimwe, 17

The day is not celebrated as it should be. At school, not many people know about it the way it should be known. I think schools should recognise this day and do something to empower African children. Otherwise, it is a day that gives hope to African children and shows us that we can go as far as we want to.  

Merle Gasana, 14

It is a day to raise awareness for the struggles that African children deal with in education and other fields. It is also a time for African children around the continent to come together and help one other, and feel like we are supporting each other to make our lives better — starting by getting a good education.

Noella Akaliza, 14

To me, the day means that we should be proud of Africa and that we are allowed to dream beyond the continent of Africa. No one should make living in Africa an excuse to achieve less.