International Day of the African Child

International Day of the African Child timeline

June 16, 1976

Where it All Started

In Soweto, South Africa, ten thousand black school children march more than half a mile long, protesting the poor quality of their education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language.

1993

Standards introduced

The Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality is founded to develop standards for quality education on the continent.

2002

Oprah starts a school

Oprah Winfrey launches the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a boarding school in South Africa.

2012

Universal education

The United Nations calls for universal, public primary eduction for every child in Africa.

International Day of the African Child FAQs

When is International Day of the African Child?

In 2026, International Day of the African Child falls on Tuesday, June 16. This annual observance commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising and highlights the importance of education for African children.

What is the significance of the Soweto Uprising?

The Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976, saw thousands of South African students protest against a government decree forcing them to be taught in Afrikaans, a language associated with the apartheid regime. The violent response from police, resulting in hundreds of deaths, brought international condemnation and became a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid struggle and the fight for educational freedom.

How many African children lack access to education?

While significant progress has been made, millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa still face barriers to education. Approximately 32 million primary school-aged children and 28 million lower secondary school-aged children were out of school in 2023, highlighting the persistent challenges.

Is International Day of the African Child a public holiday?

In South Africa, June 16 is recognized as Youth Day, a public holiday commemorating the Soweto Uprising. Internationally, while it is not a widespread public holiday, it is observed globally by organizations, governments, and communities to raise awareness and advocate for children’s rights in Africa.

How to Observe International Day of the African Child

Make a donation

There are many charities that support education for children in Africa. The K.I.N.D. project, launched by UNICEF, and Lawrence O'Donnell of NBC news, purchases desks and benches for children in Malawi. Consider writing a check.

Volunteer at a local school

You don't have to live in Africa to observe International Day of the African Child. Check out volunteer opportunities at your local schools or day care centers. Spend a little quality time with some kids.

Learn more about the issues

We're all part of the human race. The more we learn and understand each other the more we can work toward a harmonious planet. Spend a little time to learn more about the African continent, its history, and the challenges faced by its children.

5 Ways To Support Education In Africa

K.I.N.D

Kids in Need of Desks provides desks and benches to children in Malawi.

Helping girls in Kenya

The Maasai Girls Education Fund works to improve the literacy, health, and economic well-being of Maasai women in Kenya.

Opportunities in Ethiopia

The Fregenet Foundation supports educational opportunities for needy children in Ethiopia.

Textbooks for children

Books for Africa is the world's largest shipper of books to Africa.

Helping kids with AIDS

Africa Classroom Connection builds and improves schools in South Africa and Malawi, many that serve children affected by the AIDS virus.

Why International Day of the African Child is Important

Education as a human right

Throughout most of the world, free and public education is seen as a basic human right. International Day of the African Child encourages governments throughout the continent to provide quality education for children.

It has important roots

The day harkens back to the Soweto uprising in South Africa in 1971, when students took to the streets to protest discriminatory education policies by the South African government.

It highlights the value of education

Education is the key for children to grow up to be successful. There are mountains of data that show children who receive quality education at all levels have a better chance of success. International Day of the African Child reminds us that African children deserve a good education.