June 16 - The African White Band Day
On June 16, GCAP coalitions across Africa are organizing joint actions to mark the Day of the African Child. The Day of the African child is an annual event to mark the 1976 massacre of Soweto children by the apartheid regime. GCAP coalitions have chosen this date to have an African White Band Day and to make a regional plea for leaders to take immediate action to end the extreme poverty that leads to a child dying every three seconds.
June 16 - The African White Band Day
On June 16, GCAP coalitions across Africa are organising joint actions to
mark the Day of the African Child. The Day of the African child is an
annual event to mark the 1976 massacre of Soweto children by the apartheid
regime. GCAP coalitions have chosen this date to have an African White
Band Day and to make a regional plea for leaders to take immediate action
to end the extreme poverty that leads to a child dying every three seconds.
Press conferences are being held in Accra, Nairobi and Johannesburg on June 16.
(Further details to follow).
The African version of the original celebrity "click-ad" will also be
launched on June 16, with a press conference being held in Nairobi,
involving most of the 15 celebrities involved in the 'click-ad'.
In South Africa, children and adults will come to Soweto to demand action
by African leaders on orphans and vulnerable children. Loise Bwambale,
member of the pan-African parliament, will lead proceedings.
In Kenya, a huge rally, with approximately 5000 children, will be held in
Thika. The event will take place in Kiandutu Slum, which has the highest
percentage of orphaned children. The Vice President will be in attending,
but the Chief Guest will be a child.
In Senegal, a huge demonstration involving 500 children is planned. A huge
lobby meeting with the President of Senegal and children is planned during
the event. Celebrities such as; Youssou Ndour, Baaba Maal, Coumba Gawlo,
Viviane Ndour, Mada Ba, Oumar Pene, Coumba Gawlo, Abdou Djite have all been
invited too.
In Tanzania, the Day of the African Child will be marked with mobilisations
and a press conference.