Celebrating the International Day of the African Child
As we come together to commemorate the Day of the African Child, on this June 16th, we celebrate the resilience, dreams, and potential of every child on the continent. This year’s theme, “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now,” emphasizes the urgent need to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education.
Education is a fundamental right for all children in Africa, transcending location, race, parental status, disability, gender, or any other status. Since the launch of UNESCO’s global initiative “Education for All” in 1990, significant strides have been made to improve access to education. African governments have implemented various measures to uphold the right to education, resulting in a remarkable increase in school enrollment across the continent. Initiatives to provide free primary education and bridge the gender gap in schooling have been pivotal.
However, the reality for many African children remains challenging. Despite the progress, the continent has not yet achieved universal education. UNESCO statistics reveal that 20% of children aged 6 to 11, 30% of children aged 12 to 14, and 60% of children aged 15 to 17 are not enrolled in school. This highlights a high dropout rate, underscoring the need for continued efforts.
Several factors impact school attendance and retention, including child poverty, gender-based discrimination and violence, conflicts and crises, disabilities, and displacement. Early pregnancies and lack of access to sanitary products are major reasons for girls dropping out of school. Moreover, the widespread exploitation and abuse of children, along with insufficient support services for survivors, force many to leave school. Conflicts result in school closures, attacks on educational institutions, and child recruitment into armed forces, further hindering education.
Emergencies like pandemics, natural disasters, climate change, and migrations have reversed some of the progress made, exacerbating educational disparities. Vulnerable groups such as girls, children with disabilities, displaced children, children in conflict with the law, street children, undocumented children, marginalized children, and those in remote areas face the greatest challenges in accessing education.
In light of these challenges, Jars of Love Community is committed to promoting education for all children in underserved communities, ensuring a brighter future for them. We invite all stakeholders to join us in this crucial mission to provide safe and quality education for the youth, the future of Burundi and Africa.
Together, let’s make education accessible to every child in Africa, because the time is now.
