IGIRE Ubaka Ejo Project Celebrates Day of African Child with CWD, Calls for inclusive Education, Health Care sensitization

The Day of African Child being commemorated on the 16th of June each year provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made for children and to highlight the challenges that persist towards ensuring access to quality education for all in Africa.

The Day of the African Child was instituted in 1991 by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU in memory of the South African black youth who died protesting in Soweto in 1976 against a government mandate that insisted that black high schools be taught in Afrikaans – which at the time was seen as a tool of oppression by the white minority.

Thousands of children and youth took to the streets and were met with police brutality. Hundreds of children died, the youngest of whom is suspected to have been only 12 years old.

Inclusive education remains globally a subject of attention, as Children with Disability (CWD) still face challenges to access quality education. On the celebration of the International Day of the African Child, it is important to give close attention to CWD, particularly the ones living in the rural areas as their living conditions are harsh.

This years’ Theme: “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now” and with the African Union selecting Education as its theme for 2024, it is essential to highlight the importance of education in shaping the future of African children.

By commemorating the Day of African Child in relation to education, attention can be drawn to the need for quality and inclusive education systems that will empower African children to thrive and contribute to Africa’s sustainable development.

Referring to GESI Analysis results where 60.62% of respondents confirmed that children with disabilities are kept at home instead of sending them to schools.

In order to contribute to the reduction of this stigma, this year’s DAC celebration IGIRE Ubaka Ejo Activity supported by USAID, organized a one-day session for children and their parents to provide psychosocial support and recreational time for OVC and AGYWs with disabilities and their parents to fostering an inclusive Education and supportive family environment for PWDs.

Musemakweri Andrey a representative from IGIRE Ubaka Ejo emphasized the need of protecting children’s rights especially the disabled in education and fight against HIV/AIDS.

Deputy Director in-charge of IGIRE Ubaka Ejo project,Mr. Musemakweri Andrey.

"Because education and health care sensitization has become an essential part of our daily lives, there is no way we can deny our disabled children the benefits that come with it. However, we must be proactive in ensuring our children’s wellbeing is adhered too" he pointed out.

Andrey noted that in the three districts (Gasabo, Kayonza and Rusiz) were the project is being carried out, they are yet to map out an assessment to analyze relationships between children with disabilities and other school, health care stakeholders. This aimed to understand factors causing conflict and ensure the integration and acceptance of children with disabilities for sustained inclusive education and better health care.

Abanganimana Euphrates one of the parent of the disabled underlines: “Celebrating the Day of African Child, is an opportunity to encourage everyone to reflect on the best practice of treating every child as your own and most especially the disabled one. It is our collective responsibility to raise children into families and protecting them from all forms of violence and sexual abuse.”

Madam Abanganimana Euphrates

With IGIRE Ubaka Ejo Activity supported by USAID and working in hand with the government, it hopes to address the pervasive stigma and violence at different levels to create more humane perceptions and treatment of children with disabilities. This starts with acknowledging – in the heart of each one – that the way they are seen today is frequently harmful and impedes any educational efforts to improve their lot.

Ikwimanakora Phionah, a disabled senior four student says that; “There is need for social, economic, and cultural assessment of obstacles hindering children with disabilities from accessing quality education. Socially and culturally, children with disabilities are victims of direct (mockery, insult, beating), cultural and structural violence, preventing them from benefiting from quality education and developing their potential.”

Ikwimanakora Phionah, a senior four student was also in attendance.

The situation above testifies to the need to create safe spaces for children with disabilities where they may find acceptance and empowerment, so that they are not left behind by the rest of their community. The importance of creating inclusive communities, celebrating differences, and providing equal opportunities to all stakeholders.

The celebration of the International Day of the African Child is again a call, to remind us that all children must benefit from their rights, must be considered in decision-making, and must be provided with safe spaces to grow and develop their potential.

By; Mugenzi Napoleon