On June 14th, the city of Limbe came alive with the vibrant celebration of the International Day of the African Child. The event, held at the City Council Hall, carried the powerful theme "Education for all children in Africa: the time is now," resonating as a collective call to action for equal access to education and empowerment of Africa's future leaders.
The celebration was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Government of Cameroon through the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Divisional Delegation of Social Affairs, the Senior Divisional Officer, and the Fako Alliance for Social Care, a coalition of civil society organizations involved in child education, protection, and the promotion of orphanages.
Amidst the festivities, the Global Impact Foundation, in collaboration with a civil society organization called Dreamers hope foundation launched their innovative "Teens Connect" initiative within the local community. This program aims to equip teenagers with civic engagement skills and enable them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects, fostering a sense of empowerment and practical application.
The Teens Connect initiative members, a group of enthusiastic teenagers from the Global Impact Foundation and its collaborating civil society organization (DHF) seized the opportunity to showcase their remarkable STEM skills. Utilizing simple materials like syringes, plastic pipes, and bamboo, they constructed impressive prototypes of a tractor and bulldozer, applying their understanding of coordinate geometry in mathematics and Pascal's principle in engineering science. Their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities left the audience in awe.
As a privileged speaker at the event, I had the honor of delivering an educational talk that emphasized the importance of lifelong, continuous learning for children. Drawing from the wisdom of our times, I shared the idea that the "illiterate of the 21st century" is not someone who cannot read or write, but rather someone who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. This powerful message resonated with the audience, reminding us of all of the ever-evolving nature of knowledge and the need to embrace a mindset of adaptability and growth.
The Fako Division's celebration of the International Day of the African Child was a resounding success, exemplifying the collaborative effort of government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities in nurturing and empowering the next generation of African youth. Through hands-on learning experiences and skill-building initiatives like Teens Connect, the event showcased the power of education to shape young minds and unlock their full potential, paving the way for a brighter future for Africa and the world at large.
- Nji Nestor
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