Day of the African Child: Reflecting on Youth-led Households in African Communities
June 16th is the Day of the African Child. This annual celebration honors those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 when about ten thousand African school children marched more than half a mile long to protest the poor quality of their education and demanded to be taught in their language. Hundreds of young children were shot, and many injured. On June 16th of every year, we take this day to reflect on the rights of the African child.
This year, as we celebrate the Day of the African Child, which falls on the same day as Father’s Day in the United States, the EarlyBird256 squad reflects on the increasing issue of youth-led households in African communities and how that has changed the traditional family structures.
Youth-led households in African communities are a growing phenomenon that requires attention and understanding. In many African cultures, traditional family structures and roles are changing due to various factors such as:
Parental mortality
The loss of parents due to diseases like HIV/AIDS, conflicts, and other factors leave young people in charge. According to UNAIDS, more than 11 million children under the age of 15 in Africa have lost at least one parent to HIV/AIDS. These numbers make 80% of all the world’s children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. These numbers don't include children orphaned by war and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Poverty and economic instability
Older generations who are left to care for the children usually do not have the resources to support their families, forcing younger members to take on responsibilities. Which generally includes moving to cities or the diaspora for work.
The EarlyBird256 space is created to acknowledge and address youth challenges, especially those in rural communities. Throughout our workshops, we empower our students to thrive by ensuring they have their basic needs met and know their rights. When you support our mission, you are helping us create a sustainable support system so they can grow and build resilient families and communities.
