First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto visits Unoa Primary School in Makueni on June 16, 2025/ RACHEL RUTO X
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto on Monday joined pupils, community members, and local leaders at Unoa Primary School in Makueni to mark the Day of the African Child.
Addressing the gathering, Mama Rachel underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of children across the continent.
“The Day of the African Child is a reminder of our duty to protect, nurture, and invest in every child,” she said.
“It honors the courage of young people and urges us to build a future where their rights are fully upheld.”
This year’s commemoration focused on the theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010.”
The First Lady said the theme calls for greater accountability and action to prioritize children in national development.
The Day of the African Child is observed annually on June 16. It was established in 1991 by the African Union (then OAU) to honour the memory of students killed during the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa.
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto poses for a photo with teachers and students of Unoa Primary School in Makueni on June 16, 2025/ RACHEL RUTO X
Hundreds were killed during the demonstrations. Since then, the day has served both as a memorial and a rallying call for children’s rights in Africa.
The African Union’s Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child selects the annual theme through consultations with children and stakeholders across the continent.
The Committee also develops a concept note to guide commemorations in AU member states.
Mama Rachel emphasized that the day is not only about remembrance, but also about inspiring action.
“It is a moment to reflect soberly on the challenges children in Africa face daily and recommit ourselves to building systems that prioritise their needs,” she said.
The Day of the African Child is recognized as a powerful advocacy platform.
It brings together African governments, children’s representatives, youth-led organisations, NGOs, civil society, and international bodies to reflect on progress and renew efforts to uphold the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Celebrations like the one in Makueni are held across the continent, offering an opportunity to assess gains, identify gaps, and push for stronger investment in child protection, education, and health.
The First Lady concluded by urging all sectors of society to ensure that children’s voices are heard and that policies reflect their best interests.
“We must place children at the heart of our national planning and budgeting to truly secure Africa’s future,” she said.