More than 500 people gathered at Nzoia Cooperative ground, Likuyani, in Western Kenya, to take part in the celebration of the International Day of the African Child.
The event brought together government officials, NGO’s, private firms, schools and community groups It was organized by African humanists in partnership with the Safe Water International Ministry (SWIM), Colgate Company and West FM Media, together with the Mwiba and Beatrice Telewa Primary School, and the participation of Community structures such as Nzoia, Mwiba, Namunyiri Community Health Promoters; CMSG, CHC Boards and Mother to Mother, Young Mothers, Male Champion and Youth Support Groups.
The day, which is held every June 16th since 1991, initiated by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), honors the school children who marched in Soweto in 1976 – many of them shot by the Apartheid regime – protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language.
The theme of this year’s celebration was “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa”.
In Likuyani, group sessions were held to allow the people to reflect on their personal development and mental health, to remove negative energy and to review progress, challenges and plan forward on child healthy nutrition.
Esther Mpesa, humanist activist and coordinator of the Thematic Table on Nutrition and Food Sovereignty of the World Humanist Forum ran together with Community Health Officer and Likuyani Subcounty nutritionist Oscar Juma a practical cooking demonstration on preparing meals using locally available food stuff. On adition, they gave insights on the importance of balance diets and nutrients rich foods.
For their part, Safe Water International Ministry (SWIM) trained participants on chlorine production, water treatment, distribution and storage. By the occasion, more than 40 chlorine producing units were donated to the communities across Kakamega County.
The celebration continued with songs, dances and skits performed by mothers and pupils to pass health messages, after what prizes were given for students and mothers participating in menstural hygiene essay composition contest and cooking demonstration competition.
Highlighting the significance for the social and individual development of the access to water, sanitation, hygiene and a healthy nutrition for each child, several speeches were delivered by MOH, SWIM, African humanists Colgate Palmolive company representative and school health teachers. Also were heard the words of officers of the ministry of agriculture, education and of the ministry of water and irrigation, along with key messages of the nutritionist, boards, mothers representative and community health promoters.
The evaluation of the organizers was very positive. Community members gained hands on skills in safe water treatment production using Chlorine Producing Units (CPU’s).
Moreover, pregnant, lactating mothers, young mothers exchanged on practical nutrition tips and recipes whereas pupils were engaged reinforcing menstrual hygiene and healthy eating.
The day was successful combining reflection, developing skills, training and celebration with children at the centre.
Communities used this time to talk about the biggest problem children face, including getting good education, staying healthy, and being safe from harm.
“As humanists”, told Esther Mpesa, “working with others in the Gender Based Violence thematic table of the World Humanist Forum, we advocate for a nonviolent environment, fairness and equal opportunity without biases including children rights.”
Moreover, she added ”On the Food Sovereignty thematic table, humanists focus on the access of nutritious food and good preparation though locally available stuff for all the communities.
Asked by Pressenza on the social situation of the communities, Mpesa referred “The community mainly do mono roping of maize. The majority of them are farms caretaker. Alcohol, among other substances abuse, have greatly affected the wellbeing of children in the community. Casual jobs of the mothers take too many hours away from children, who are left with empty stomachs for a long time. This affects severely the wellbeing of Africa’s children. That is why this day is meant to sensitize community on proper nurturing of the children for a better tomorrow.
African Child Day Celebration in Shaurimoyo, Nairobi
Shauri Moyo is a low-income neighbourhood in the city of Nairobi, one of the oldest districts in the capital of Kenya. In the Shaurimoyo Comprehensive School was also celebrated the International Day of the African Child on 18th June.
Anthony Oballah, humanist and co-coordinator of the Sport for Peace and Development thematic table of the World Humanist Forum, worked together with other stakeholders to organize the event, which in his words “brought excitement and fun amongst the young ones celebrating their day and controlled by them.”
Here are some pictures of the activity.
An Appeal to Resolve the Child Abuse Crisis in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan humanist Sherwin David is spreading an appeal to protect children in his country, urging the new government to give answers to the unresolved complaints by the respective authorities.
Follows the complete text of the appeal:
“The child protection crisis in Sri Lanka has escalated with alarming statistics revealing the following:
- Nearly 40,000 complaints unresolved at National Child protection Authority (NCPA) by end of 2024 – source: Annual report of Auditor General’s Department
- Nearly 4000 cases backlogged (indictments not filed) at Attorney General’s Department by end of 2023 – source: Annual report of Attorney General’s Department
- Over 4000 cases ongoing (indictments filed) for decades at High Courts – source: NCPA website
30% of Sri Lanka’s population (seven million) is children under age 18 years. Children are the most vulnerable community and require the highest protection in any country. Hence, we urge HE Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka to act beyond the rhetoric to urgently resolve the national child protection crisis.
- Establish a Presidential Task Force on child protection comprising a team of non-political experts with international experience on child rights and welfare
- Establish a specialized Police Unit to expedite backlog of child abuse cases
- As per the NCPA Act No 50 of 1998, make the NCPA independent by removing it from the administration of Women and Child Affairs Ministry
We urge the government of Sri Lanka to prioritize child protection at the heart of the national security agenda so that children can thrive in a country free from harm and violence.”
To sign the petition https://c.org/zQ6sJzfVFS
Bangladesh announces new commitments to end violence against Children
At the same time, Maksuda Lisa, from Pressenza´s Dhaka Buro, reports that a high-level South Asian Ministerial Conference was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka´s capital city, “marking a significant step forward in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children in the region”.
The ministerial conference – so the report – took place on June 23-24, 2026 and was jointly organized by SAARC, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The event brought together policymakers and child rights advocates from across South Asia, all echoing a shared urgency to cultivate a more humane world for children.
Following the conclusions of the conference, Bangladesh has announced a suite of groundbreaking and ambitious national commitments to end all forms of violence, exploitation, and discrimination against children, adds the journalist.
Read the complete report here