INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD 2013
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| IDAC pupils |
By Emeka Ibemere
IDAC: Pupils evoke memories of 100 Soweto children
…as organizers emphasize use of Igbo language in offices, schools and all public places,
It was a solemn affair that started with a long queue of pupils in procession; then, a prayer section followed by a moment of silence. Then, the hall, which was filled to capacity, reverberated with a deafening “A-m-e-n!”
The three-day event, which started on Friday, June 14, ended on Friday, June 17, with fanfare.
The event, which was held at the Juni Memorial Hall, Irene Menakaya School, Technical College, Onitsha, Anambra State, was the 2013 International Day of the African Child. It evoked memories of the black June 16, 1976, when over 100 school children were killed by angry soldiers over their protest in Soweto, South Africa.
The organizers of the event, Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, president of the IFMA Initiative & Igbo Ga Adi Foundation, a non-governmental organization and the Irene Menakaya School, Onitsha, had carefully chosen theme of the programme: “Eliminating Harmful Social and Cultural Practices Affecting Igbo Children: Our Collective Responsibility.”
The event, which was held at the Juni Memorial Hall, Irene Menakaya School, Technical College, Onitsha, Anambra State, was the 2013 International Day of the African Child. It evoked memories of the black June 16, 1976, when over 100 school children were killed by angry soldiers over their protest in Soweto, South Africa.
The organizers of the event, Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, president of the IFMA Initiative & Igbo Ga Adi Foundation, a non-governmental organization and the Irene Menakaya School, Onitsha, had carefully chosen theme of the programme: “Eliminating Harmful Social and Cultural Practices Affecting Igbo Children: Our Collective Responsibility.”
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| Mrs Azuka Enemo Hon. Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters |
Prof. Pita Ejiofor, former Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra State; and president, Otu Suwakwa Igbo, an affirmative socio-cultural organization that emphasises the speaking of Igbo Language and culture.
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| Laying of Wreaths |
The event had in attendance, among other dignitaries and organizations, members of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria.
The Proprietor of Irene Menakaya School Onitsha, Dr. Adaeze Okika, in her welcome address read by the school executive director, Mrs. Chukwukelu Christy, reminded guests that each year, the International Day of the African Child (IDAC) offers an opportunity for governments, policy-makers, educationists, parents and the media to work towards supporting children by living up to the commitment in promoting and protecting the rights of Africa children.
She said the incident of ‘Soweto uprising of 1976’ had sent various messages to governments, African leaders, stakeholders, and those working with children to be concerned with issues confronting African children’s growth and development.
According to her, the theme of this year’s event again indicated measures appropriately being taken for the well-being of African children.
“It is a known fact that Africa is bounded by culture and social norms and values. But the question now is: How do these cultures and social norms positively affect Africans in areas of sustainable development? These, indeed, are questions left for us all in our struggles for collective efforts towards sustainable development in Africa,” Adaeze Okika stated.
She expressed her pleasure to be part of this year’s edition of the International Day of the African Child, saying, “I am also particularly enthused that the theme for this year’s celebration: “Eliminating Harmful Social & Cultural Practices Affecting African Children: Our Responsibility” is aptly identified by the African committee of experts on the rights and welfare of the African children. This theme, no doubt, is in line with the commitment of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, to building a better future for our children”, Uju Okeke said, adding that the “Universal Basic Education programme is to ensure access to basic functional education to all children of the state.
“We have also domesticated the Child’s Right Acts through our honourable House of Assembly. It is my pleasure to observe that the focus of this year’s theme borders on areas in which the government of Anambra State under His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, CON, is already blazing the trail.
“May I, at this point, appreciate all who made this all-important conference possible, Irene Menakaya School & IFMA Initiative. The Irene Menakaya School has been wonderful in partnering with the Ministry of Education Anambra State for the educational development of the Igbo child. I thank the proprietor, Dr. Ada Okika, IFMA INITIATIVE, staff and children of the Irene Menakaya School. Please, keep it up. I wish also to appreciate the friends of Education for African Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS, IFMA INITIATIVE, African Women Working Group at the UN, African Women for Good Governance and UN Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations, New York State Chapter. To all these groups, I say a very big thank you for your interest in the African Children.”
The Proprietor of Irene Menakaya School Onitsha, Dr. Adaeze Okika, in her welcome address read by the school executive director, Mrs. Chukwukelu Christy, reminded guests that each year, the International Day of the African Child (IDAC) offers an opportunity for governments, policy-makers, educationists, parents and the media to work towards supporting children by living up to the commitment in promoting and protecting the rights of Africa children.
She said the incident of ‘Soweto uprising of 1976’ had sent various messages to governments, African leaders, stakeholders, and those working with children to be concerned with issues confronting African children’s growth and development.
According to her, the theme of this year’s event again indicated measures appropriately being taken for the well-being of African children.
“It is a known fact that Africa is bounded by culture and social norms and values. But the question now is: How do these cultures and social norms positively affect Africans in areas of sustainable development? These, indeed, are questions left for us all in our struggles for collective efforts towards sustainable development in Africa,” Adaeze Okika stated.
She expressed her pleasure to be part of this year’s edition of the International Day of the African Child, saying, “I am also particularly enthused that the theme for this year’s celebration: “Eliminating Harmful Social & Cultural Practices Affecting African Children: Our Responsibility” is aptly identified by the African committee of experts on the rights and welfare of the African children. This theme, no doubt, is in line with the commitment of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, to building a better future for our children”, Uju Okeke said, adding that the “Universal Basic Education programme is to ensure access to basic functional education to all children of the state.
“We have also domesticated the Child’s Right Acts through our honourable House of Assembly. It is my pleasure to observe that the focus of this year’s theme borders on areas in which the government of Anambra State under His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, CON, is already blazing the trail.
“May I, at this point, appreciate all who made this all-important conference possible, Irene Menakaya School & IFMA Initiative. The Irene Menakaya School has been wonderful in partnering with the Ministry of Education Anambra State for the educational development of the Igbo child. I thank the proprietor, Dr. Ada Okika, IFMA INITIATIVE, staff and children of the Irene Menakaya School. Please, keep it up. I wish also to appreciate the friends of Education for African Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS, IFMA INITIATIVE, African Women Working Group at the UN, African Women for Good Governance and UN Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations, New York State Chapter. To all these groups, I say a very big thank you for your interest in the African Children.”
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| Prof. Pita Ejiofor |
He condemned the use of English in Igbo meetings or gathering of any sort, reminding the audience that the event came to be because South African children refused to use English language as a medium of learning and teaching in schools in South Africa.
He blamed parents and Igbo adults for making English language a domestic language in their homes and making the children forget the traditions and values of the Igbo race.
According to him, this was not common with other tribes that emphasize the use of their languages among their children.
The Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Azuka Enemo, who represented the state governor, applauded Igbo Ga Adi Foundation - IFMA INITIATIVE for organizing such a wonderful forum aimed at nurturing the Igbo child.
She added that government was ready to support and partner with initiatives targeted towards education of Nigerian child and promotion of mother tongue.
“This is to ensure that Igbo children of all categories and backgrounds are provided with full rights to existence and must not be subjected to social and cultural practices that are unhealthy to their rights and existence,” she said.
According to her, countries like India, Malaysia and South Africa, still look up to their languages as a means of communication, despite the fact that they have moved ahead of Nigeria in every way.
She said: “You will recall the importance the state government had accorded the Igbo language by making it compulsory in
public schools and offices. The state government, under His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, has also laid a foundation for building Ogbalu Igbo Language School in the state and offering scholarship to students that perform creditably well in Igbo language.”
He blamed parents and Igbo adults for making English language a domestic language in their homes and making the children forget the traditions and values of the Igbo race.
According to him, this was not common with other tribes that emphasize the use of their languages among their children.
The Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Azuka Enemo, who represented the state governor, applauded Igbo Ga Adi Foundation - IFMA INITIATIVE for organizing such a wonderful forum aimed at nurturing the Igbo child.
She added that government was ready to support and partner with initiatives targeted towards education of Nigerian child and promotion of mother tongue.
“This is to ensure that Igbo children of all categories and backgrounds are provided with full rights to existence and must not be subjected to social and cultural practices that are unhealthy to their rights and existence,” she said.
According to her, countries like India, Malaysia and South Africa, still look up to their languages as a means of communication, despite the fact that they have moved ahead of Nigeria in every way.
She said: “You will recall the importance the state government had accorded the Igbo language by making it compulsory in
public schools and offices. The state government, under His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, has also laid a foundation for building Ogbalu Igbo Language School in the state and offering scholarship to students that perform creditably well in Igbo language.”
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| Igbo native game (NCHO) |
The event was spiced with copious performances from the children, including match past, dance, drama, debate, traditional wrestling, native games (ikpo uga, izu- ncho etc) and village square conversation, among others.
Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, the chairman of the occasion who doubled as the President/Founder Igbo Ga Adi Foundation of IFMA INITIATIVE, in his own remarks, stressed the need for parents of the Igbo extraction to stand up to the challenges of nurturing the Igbo children and grooming them to be great ambassadors of Igbo land.
He said there was a need for parents and teachers of the Igbo extraction to put in more efforts in grooming Igbo children and giving them a sense of belonging in the society.
“If the children are our future, then, there’s an important need for us to take the nurturing of our future (children) as a major priority,” he added.
Mr. Ikechukwu Okafor, the chairman of the occasion who doubled as the President/Founder Igbo Ga Adi Foundation of IFMA INITIATIVE, in his own remarks, stressed the need for parents of the Igbo extraction to stand up to the challenges of nurturing the Igbo children and grooming them to be great ambassadors of Igbo land.
He said there was a need for parents and teachers of the Igbo extraction to put in more efforts in grooming Igbo children and giving them a sense of belonging in the society.
“If the children are our future, then, there’s an important need for us to take the nurturing of our future (children) as a major priority,” he added.
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| Ikechukwu Okafor |
In his closing remarks, Okafor gave out cash prizes as consolation to a number of children who answered his questions and also told the audience what they had learned from the event of the day.
He commended their boldness to walk up to the centre stage to answer the questions. He, however, encouraged children of the Igbo extraction to be bold and courageous in life. Okafor also promised a more bountiful 2014 Day of African Child.
It will be recalled that the 2013 International Day of the African Child organized by Igbo Ga Adi Foundation of IFMA INITIATIVE and Irene Menakaya School centred on the less-privileged children and children orphaned by aids in Africa.
The annual commemoration of the International Day of African Child on June 16 was declared in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity member-states. It is aimed at raising awareness for the situation of children in Africa and the need for continuing improvement in education. It encourages people’s spirits of abundance to share something special with children in Africa.
The day further presents an opportunity to focus on the work of all actors committed to the rights of children on the continent to consolidate their efforts in addressing the obstacles for realizing these rights.
The Day of African Child also provides an occasion for governments, international institutions and communities to renew their ongoing commitments towards improving the plight of marginalized and particularly vulnerable children by organizing activities aimed at including these specific children.
Daily Newswatch gathered that the event was designed to be the source of positive communication not only for children from different African countries but also their teachers, parents, the NGO community and other stakeholders in teaching them more about the important social issues affecting children.
According to Irene Menakaya School & IFMA INITIATIVE, it was in recognition of this that this year’s event was held.
The organizers disclosed that the aim of the programme was to assess and create awareness about the harmful effects of social and cultural practices of the educational development and health of vulnerable Igbo children within the framework of human rights standards provided by the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CRC) and the voices of Igbo children.
According to them, it was also made to assess the existence and impact of national legislation, policies, programmes and practices to fulfill the education and healthy development of Igbo children and to combat harmful social and cultural practices that effect children’s development.
It also entails identifying promising strategies and practices for the prevention and elimination of the effects of harmful social and cultural practices on the educational development and health of Igbo children.
He commended their boldness to walk up to the centre stage to answer the questions. He, however, encouraged children of the Igbo extraction to be bold and courageous in life. Okafor also promised a more bountiful 2014 Day of African Child.
It will be recalled that the 2013 International Day of the African Child organized by Igbo Ga Adi Foundation of IFMA INITIATIVE and Irene Menakaya School centred on the less-privileged children and children orphaned by aids in Africa.
The annual commemoration of the International Day of African Child on June 16 was declared in 1991 by the Organization of African Unity member-states. It is aimed at raising awareness for the situation of children in Africa and the need for continuing improvement in education. It encourages people’s spirits of abundance to share something special with children in Africa.
The day further presents an opportunity to focus on the work of all actors committed to the rights of children on the continent to consolidate their efforts in addressing the obstacles for realizing these rights.
The Day of African Child also provides an occasion for governments, international institutions and communities to renew their ongoing commitments towards improving the plight of marginalized and particularly vulnerable children by organizing activities aimed at including these specific children.
Daily Newswatch gathered that the event was designed to be the source of positive communication not only for children from different African countries but also their teachers, parents, the NGO community and other stakeholders in teaching them more about the important social issues affecting children.
According to Irene Menakaya School & IFMA INITIATIVE, it was in recognition of this that this year’s event was held.
The organizers disclosed that the aim of the programme was to assess and create awareness about the harmful effects of social and cultural practices of the educational development and health of vulnerable Igbo children within the framework of human rights standards provided by the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (CRC) and the voices of Igbo children.
According to them, it was also made to assess the existence and impact of national legislation, policies, programmes and practices to fulfill the education and healthy development of Igbo children and to combat harmful social and cultural practices that effect children’s development.
It also entails identifying promising strategies and practices for the prevention and elimination of the effects of harmful social and cultural practices on the educational development and health of Igbo children.
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| IDAC Pupils |
Last year, the event tagged: “Rights of Children with Disabilities: Duty to Protect, Respect, Promote and to Fulfilled” highlighted various social, cultural, health and education concerns on African children with disabilities, including orphans and vulnerable children.
It was meant to bring their rights as full citizens of Africa.
It was meant to bring their rights as full citizens of Africa.
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