19 Jun 2014

In 1976, thousands of black school children took to the streets of Soweto, South Africa, in a march more than half a mile long. They were protesting the inferior quality of education offered in African schools and also demanded their right to be taught in their own languages. 

But then the security forces sent by the apartheid regime arrived. They shot indiscriminately killing and maiming tens of young boys and girls. 

In the two weeks of protest that followed, more than a hundred people were killed and more than a thousand injured. That day, June 16, has been celebrated in South Africa since. Africa has now adopted it, and it has come to be known as The day of the African Child.

The day talks about the bravery of the South African youth in protesting for the right to quality education. And so it was that on Monday, June 16 2014 children from private and government schools around Gaborone came together to celebrate the day. They staged a peaceful march from the Central Business District (CBD) to Gaborone West Community Hall where the full programme was rolled out.

The theme of the day illustrated the government’s continued efforts to make sure that each child had access to compulsory, quality and free education. Currently the government offers free 10 year basic education to all Batswana. Parents are only required to pay less than P500 in cost sharing fee.

Speaking at the commemorations, the director of Ditshwanelo, Ms Alice Mogwe said the theme was aimed at drawing the attention of African governments to their responsibilities of ensuring children’s right to education in accordance with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Botswana is a signatory to the Children’s Charter.

She said the Human Rights coalition believed it was the responsibility of every citizen to ensure children were not harmed in anyway, whether through cultural, social or any other practices.

Students were in a jubilant mood singing praises and songs to remember the youth of 1976. Students from Baobab Primary School dazzled with marimba with songs like Nkosisingele Africa and Waka Waka (It’s time for Africa), while others provided drama, entertainment and traditional dance.  Ms Neo Mosime, the chairperson of Gaborone Child Forum said a child was a package of happiness itself, cheerful and warmth. 

“A child is the bright future of a nation and depriving him or her education is like leaving an extracted diamond unpolished, directionless and un-destined,” she said. 

Learners from Botlhale Primary School followed with their hit song We have come in one accord, as young as we are, singing together we are one in love as we show unity, never give up in education.

Then Antony Stalk, a Standard Six pupil at Tlhabologo Primary School took to the podium. He thanked the government for its efforts at ensuring all had access to education. 

He, however, appealed to those responsible for the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children to provide clothes for them. ENDS