The Day of the African Child was commemorated across all provinces with a focus on the theme “Education for All Children in Africa. The Time is Now”.

Stakeholders including Provincial Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, traditional leaders, and academia, among others, were at hand to deliver the “child message” bordering on the importance of a multisectoral approach in addressing issues affecting them.

Mrs. Beatrice Muyambango, Director for Child Development at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing child welfare across all sectors of development.

The Director further emphasized the importance of children being responsible in their behaviour, stressing that as the country works towards securing comprehensive children’s rights, children themselves should understand their responsibilities and apply them accordingly.

With the theme focused on education, Mrs. Muyambango said that these rights cannot be achieved in isolation and called upon children to respect their parents, themselves, and others and to use their energy positively for self and societal improvement.

“Avoid drugs, refrain from arguing at home, dress appropriately, speak politely, offer help, and be obedient”, Mrs. Muyambango counselled the children, urging them to realize that these guidelines reflect the nation’s norms and morals.