Dowa, ZOE Malawi advocate for children's rights in tech era
Dowa district council and ZOE Empowers Malawi commemorate the Day of African Child, promoting children's rights in the digital age.
DOWA, MALAWI — Dowa district council, in collaboration with ZOE Empowers Malawi, commemorated the Day of the African Child on July 28th, 2023, advocating for the rights of children in the digital era, writes Mphatso M'bang'ombe.
The event began with a march from the Small and Medium Enterprise Institute (SMEDI) facilities to Makwani Village in the area of TA Dzoole in the district.
Stakeholders highlighted the importance of protecting children's rights in their communities.
Dowa district council chairperson Richard Kasanje, called on community members and NGOs in the district to actively participate in safeguarding children from abuse, violence, and exploitation.
"This day is very important to all the people of Malawi, for the African Child to develop," said Kasanje.
ZOE Empowers Malawi Programs Facilitator, Asther Chinkhadze, explained that the event aimed to involve communities and relevant stakeholders in protecting African children in an era dominated by technology. She urged authorities to establish by-laws to support child protection.
The Day of the African Child originated from the tragic events of June 16th, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa.
Black schoolchildren protested against the apartheid government's imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of children.
In 1977, the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) established the Day of the African Child to commemorate the tragedy and raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by African children.
The commemoration serves as a poignant reminder that children should be valued, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
It also advocates for their rights to education, protection, and development in line with the theme "Freedom of Children through New Technologies."
The Day of the African Child event in Dowa district underscores the ongoing commitment to uphold the rights of children in Malawi, ensuring their welfare in an ever-evolving digital landscape.