International Children’s Day is a global celebration recognising the rights and well-being of children worldwide. In South Africa, various organisations, communities and government entities come together to commemorate this special day, emphasising the country’s commitment to its youngest citizens.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of children. South Africa is a signatory to the CRC. The South African Constitution also enshrines the rights of children, including the right to dignity, equality, and protection from exploitation.
On 2 November 2024, the One Child A Year (OCAY) Project at ProBono.Org Johannesburg collaborated with Constitution Hill and LALELA Life Changing Art to commemorate International Children’s day under the theme “One child at a time, each child matters all the time.”
The celebrations kicked off with a fun-filled tour of Constitution Hill, giving children and their parents a unique opportunity to explore this iconic site and learn about its importance in South African history.
We were thrilled to have Nonala Tose Dagada, a celebrated radio personality, participate in our celebration, bringing joy and motivation to the children who attended. She added a sparkle to our event, interacting with the children and parents and leaving a lasting impression. Ms Dagada provided a thought-provoking presentation on the sensitive topic of sexting among children, sparking discussions and raising awareness about online safety and digital responsibility.
With her infectious passion for empowering young minds, the charismatic Selokela Slu Molamodi, a household name in radio broadcasting, led an interactive discussion on menstruation, breaking down stigmas and fostering inclusivity among the children, including enthusiastic participation from the boys.
The OCAY staff shed light on the often-overlooked issue of undocumented children, informing parents about the laws and policies governing their right to education and encouraging advocacy for their educational rights.
The event included a fun and interactive art crafting workshop, where parents and children worked side by side to create colourful and innovative art pieces. LALELA facilitated the delightful session, where the parents and children explored their creativity together and produced beautiful and meaningful works of art.
The celebrations served as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of children. As we move forward, let us continue to prioritise the well-being and development of our youngest citizens. Every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our children. The true spirit of this day was about creating a world where every child can grow, learn and thrive.
