potential

International Day of the African Child – 16 June 2023

The International Day of the African Child is a significant event that honors the courage, resilience, and potential of African children. Celebrated annually on June 16th, this day raises awareness about the rights, needs, and challenges faced by children across the African continent. In this blog, we will explore the history of this day, its theme for 2023, the importance of celebration, ways to observe the occasion, and inspiring quotes that capture the spirit of the African child.

History of International Day of the African Child:

The International Day of the African Child commemorates the Soweto Uprising that took place on June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa. Thousands of black students marched in protest against the inferior quality of education they were receiving under the apartheid regime. Tragically, hundreds of children lost their lives during the protest. The day symbolizes the brave fight for equal education and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for the rights of African children.

Theme for International Day of the African Child 2023:

The theme for the International Day of the African Child 2023 is “Education for Empowerment: Unlocking the Future.” This theme emphasizes the transformative power of education in shaping the lives of African children. It highlights the need for accessible, quality education that equips children with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Why Do We Celebrate International Day of the African Child?

The celebration of the International Day of the African Child serves several important purposes. Firstly, it raises awareness about the challenges faced by African children, including poverty, lack of education, child labor, and child marriage. It also encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to protect and promote the rights of children across the continent. Moreover, the day provides an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, talents, and potential of African children, who are the future leaders and change-makers of Africa.

Source: Text & Image: https://www.allworldday.com/international-day-of-the-african-child/

2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C – 2019

The texts from the Bible are often presented in a language quite different from our own way of speaking.
Different types of literature are used to transmit to us the message of God.
And, not only is the language different but, often too, the scenes represent actions and reactions that may seem foreign to our culture – and they are!
But the message has definitely something very appropriate for our own lives!

The 1^st reading of this Sunday (Gn.15:5-12,17-18) is a good example of this.
The scene describes God who invites Abraham to enter a special friendship with him –
this is the meaning of the word ‘alliance’, a pact, an agreement of close relationship between two people.

Strange enough, God asks Abraham for something… quite impossible!
“Look up at the sky and count the stars…”
Who could do this? An impossible task if ever there was one!
But God adds: “If you can…”

This text which would not usually attract the comments of writers on the Bible has struck me.
The reason is that it illustrates, for me, the pedagogy of God!
God knows well what we can or cannot do, but… we are not always aware of this ourselves!
We are not always conscious of our tremendous potential and our limitations!

And, as important and even more so: we need to become aware of what God can do… if only we allow him.
We know and it is often repeated to us that God can do everything.
Yes, everything except… one, I believe!

He cannot, he does not, infringe on the freedom he has given us.
God calls, he invites, he may urge, or even… cajole us into friendship with him but it is a decision WE must make.
The decision of accepting him in our lives, every aspect of it, every situation, every moment…

A good thing to remember… the next time you lift up your eyes to the sky… and see the stars!

Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/2e-dimanche-du-careme-annee-c-2019/

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