Pupils from schools in Eastern Equatoria during this year’s celebrations to mark the 22nd anniversary of the International Day of the African Child. [Gurtong/ Peter Lokale Nakimangole]
By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 17 June 2012 [Gurtong] – The acting Director for Child Welfare in the State Ministry of Social Development Eluzai Oting led the celebrations under the theme ‘the Rights of Children with Disabilities”.
Oting urged South Sudanese communities to uphold and support children with disabilities, saying they form a crucial part of the society.
“Each one of us has a major role in ensuring that the African child in protected, awarded their right and adequately provided for”, he said.
The International Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity. It honours those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day.
It also raises awareness of the continuing need for improvement of the education provided to African children.