International Day of the African Child Date in the current year: June 16, 2024

The Soweto Uprising is one of the worldwide known events, that took place in South Africa in 1976. About 20,000 school children marched in a column more than a half mile long. They demanded better educational system and facilities. Population of South Africa was not satisfied with poorly trained teachers, overcrowded classrooms and separate schools provided by the Apartheid regime. Hundreds of school children were killed in clashes with police, the most famous victim was Hector Pieterson, a 13-year old boy, whose picture was taken by journalist Sam Nzima.

Observation of International Day of the African Children raises public awareness of need for improvement of the education in Africa. Every year governments, nongovernmental organizations and international organizations gather on June 16 to discuss and implement full realization of children rights in Africa.