16th June 2024

COMMEMORATION OF THE AFRICAN CHILD DAY.

On Saturday, June 16th, 2024, the vibrant community of Lemanyata Ward in Lenjani Village came together to celebrate the African Child Day, an event marked by joy, solidarity, and a shared commitment to the welfare and empowerment of African children in the Maasai community. Three distinguished organizations, the Arusha Readers Club, Builders of Future Africa, and the Mtoto Afrika Initiative from Dar es Salaam, worked together to make this year’s festival possible. Their collaboration demonstrated a shared commitment to advancing learning, developing talent, and providing opportunities for the next generation.

Over a hundred members eagerly attended the event, enjoying a day full of interesting games, with the Maasai kids alongside stimulating seminars and motivational speeches. The observance honored the promise and resiliency of African children while also drawing attention to the difficulties they encountered. The organizers wanted to make a significant difference by combining resources and knowledge from several areas, ensuring that every child in Lenjani Village felt appreciated, encouraged, and motivated to pursue their dreams.

OBJECTIVES:

To raise awareness about the importance of education for African children, we must emphasize the crucial role parents play in ensuring their children go to school.
We aimed to distribute essential supplies such as sugar, cooking oil, soap, and scholastic materials.
A collective effort to have outreach visiting 10 houses (Boma) bringing together the BFA kids, the students of Shalom Schools, and the Arusha Reading Club.
Advocating for the government theme of the day celebrations targeting “Elimu jumuishi kwa mtoto izingatie maarifa, maadili na stadi za kazi”.

ACTIVITIES DONE:

Students from Shalom also gave speeches and testimonies at the event, sharing their personal stories and motivating one another.
After that, we shared a meal over lunch with all of the kids from BFA, Shalom Schools, and the Arusha Readers Club, which helped to build a sense of togetherness and friendship among the attendees.
The team went to BFA houses to give out stationery and household necessities so that the kids would have what they needed for school and daily necessities.
The kids had a great time dancing and playing games, which made for a vibrant and interesting atmosphere, giving out gifts, and making the kids smile.
Taking pictures of these unique moments to keep the memories of this amazing event.

IMPACTS AND REACTIONS:

A total of 74 students and kids attended.
24 team leaders and staff from the cluster.
Approximately 100 BFA beneficiaries were reached.
Through its seamless integration of many community segments, the event promoted harmony and cooperation.
Parents and other community members said they supported upcoming initiatives and thanked the organizing bodies for their efforts.

OUTCOMES:

32 pupils demonstrated their understanding of reporting and awareness regarding Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Each member demonstrated a willingness to participate and contribute their resources to support pupils at Mafiga Primary School.
Every pupil showed eagerness to share knowledge with other pupils who didn’t have the opportunity to participate in the outreach program.

RESULTS:

Student Empowerment:

The students left the event feeling empowered and motivated to take charge of their education and future.
Many expressed a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to making positive changes in their lives and communities.

Community Engagement:

The event successfully brought together different segments of the community, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration.
Parents and other community members appreciated the efforts of the organizing bodies and expressed support for future initiatives.

Educational Impact:

The educational sessions were particularly impactful, providing students with valuable knowledge and resources.
The scholastic material given boosted the smiles and inspired many children to develop a habit of reading, which is expected to have long-term benefits on their academic performance

Conclusion:

In Lemanyata Ward, Lenjani Village, the celebration of African Child Day was a great success. Arusha Readers Club, Builders of Future Africa, and the Mtoto Afrika Initiative worked together to create a well-rounded event that not only honored the African kids but also gave them the motivation and resources to create a better future. The overwhelmingly high turnout and encouraging comments highlight how crucial these kinds of gatherings are for promoting community growth and empowering the next generation.