Sadili Oval Sports Academy Celebrates the 2017 Day of the African Child

Sadili Oval Sports Academy on 16^th June 2017 joined the rest of the continent in celebrating this year’s edition of the Day of the African Child. This event was carried out in partnership with various organizations in Nairobi including Green Card Mtaani, Kibera Vision Achievers, Children International among others. Commemoration of the day was conducted under the theme ‘accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunities for children in Africa by 2030’, a reminder of the linkages between the regional and global agendas on development, and the importance of promoting child rights.

Hundreds of children marched through the streets of Kibera Slums, carrying hand-painted posters and placards calling on grown-ups in the country to take lead in creating a fair society that ensures they are protected from abuse and are given equal opportunities to succeed. After marching alongside a children’s band, they settled at Undugu grounds to take part in workshops, poetry and plays geared towards the theme of the event.

Sadili staff took it upon themselves to create awareness on the importance of practicing proper hygiene habits like hand washing and menstrual hygiene management. Both of these play a big role in the lives of children and adolescent girls, both biologically and culturally. Gender equity becomes an issue when girls lack appropriate menstrual hygiene education, affecting their health, dignity and education. Sadili through its Court of Dreams (WASH) programme is keen on improving the lives of young people  by promoting good hygiene habits, which are vital for their health and development.

Fidelis Pendo

“It has been a great day. This is the first time I am participating in such an event, and I didn’t even know there is a day set aside to celebrate us!” commented Fidelis Pendo, a std.3 pupil at Blessed Children’s centre in Kibera. “I enjoyed marching alongside the band and watching the plays,” he added. “I have also learnt that washing hands without soap after play does not kill all germs and we can still fall sick, unless we use soap.”

The Day of the African Child is celebrated every year to honour those who participated in South Africa’s Soweto Uprising when 10,000 black school children marched on June 16, 1976 in protest of the poor quality of their education. Hundreds were shot that day and many killed. On June 16th every year since 1991, governments, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of the rights of children Africa. The day also raises awareness on the need for improvement of the education provided to African children.