An uprising that meant a fight for rights
Since 1991, the year Juan Ciudad NGO was founded, the International Day of the African Child has been celebrated around the world. Not all holidays have happy origins, and that is the case with this very special day. At Juan Ciudad NGO, we want to tell you that the roots of this tribute date back to June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa, when thousands of students began a peaceful protest. During their mobilization, they took to the streets to demand quality education and the right to be taught in their own language.
This protest, unfortunately, did not end happily, as they were met by armed forces who fired on them, killing more than a hundred people and injuring more than a thousand. For this reason, every year on June 16th, the memory of all the students who led the Sowento uprising and paid with their lives is honored.
The idea for this celebration belongs to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and is an opportunity for international institutions, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to come together and discuss the opportunities and challenges for the development of children's rights in Africa.
Every year, on the same date, a conference is held in which these stakeholders participate and discuss various topics with the aim of achieving the objectives set for each event. In 2020, for example, the topic discussed was access to a child-friendly justice system in Africa.
How we help from our organization
In 2020, Juan Ciudad NGO carried out a total of 54 projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Of these, 34 were allocated to different parts of the African continent with limited resources and in need of our support.
On the other hand, we know that education is a fundamental pillar for the development of children and society as a whole. In this regard, Juan Ciudad NGO is undertaking an action to benefit African children. This is the project "Construction of an inclusive school for students with and without disabilities, at risk of social exclusion., in Monze, Zambia.
The project, which is being developed in collaboration with the Holy Family Centre of Monze, focuses on the inclusion of children up to 12 years old, with and without disabilities. This type of school is highly valued by the community as it offers an inclusive education that very few schools in the country offer.
At the initiative of the group of mothers of students at this center, construction began in 2020 on a new school that will have a direct impact on the lives of 170 children between the ages of 10 and 14. Their families will also benefit from this initiative, as they will be given priority consideration for hiring at the school and as teachers. To this end, they will receive specialized training in inclusive education and specific teaching techniques related to students with disabilities.
What impacts are expected
We are confident that this measure will lead to progress in the lives of students and their families. On the one hand, children between the ages of 10 and 14 at risk of social exclusion will be integrated into a school in a safe and inclusive manner. On the other hand, the students' mothers and other family members will improve their precarious situation and quality of life thanks to the training they receive and the increased opportunities to join the school staff.
We know firsthand that goodwill can change lives. That's why we want to encourage you to continue helping with small acts that can make a difference in the daily lives of those most in need. Thus, the second phase of the construction process requires external funding to be completed. You can contribute through https://www.juanciudad.org/?q=donaciones-puntuales
