Over 400 young children from conservation clubs in Malindi and adults brought Malindi town to a standstill on 16^th June 2022 as they celebrated the Day of the African Child. The usually sleepy town witnessed a peaceful procession of children with banners shouting “Day of the African Child” as they matched to the Malindi Police Station. As the organizers said, this was in line with the Day’s 2022 theme, which is “Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy & Practice since 2013.”

Malindi Children Hold a Peaceful Walk

The children started their walk from the Alaskan Grounds, Malindi to the Malindi Police Station, where they planted trees. They enjoyed the police and the traffic departments’ collaboration as they guided and guarded them as they walked. Media houses and independent reporters were not left behind either as they scrambled to have a glimpse of the event.

Later, the children proceeded to Ndugu Mnani, where they had another celebratory session with other conservation clubs in Kenya. This culminated in a tree-planting exercise of at least 1000 trees at Ndugu Mnani and the Mwangea National Park. Speaking to news houses, the organizers confided that they train children on conservation matters and include them in their programs as they are the future generation that is poised to largely benefit from the trees.

About Day of the African Child

According to the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), the Day of the African Child (DAC) is an advocacy tool that arose from the 1976 uprising in South Africa. The tool promotes children’s rights as well as welfare issues and is celebrated every 16^th day of June. The committee makes sure that there is an acceptable theme for each year’s celebration.

Corporate Sponsors Attended

Not only was the event largely televised, but it also saw different corporates join it as partners and sponsors. From financial institutions to the police, Malindi Traffic department, government institutions, schools, and real estate companies, it was well-received and supported. The event lived to its potential by spreading a message from all stakeholders, partners, and well-wishers that children are the future, therefore, need protection from harmful practices.