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By Clementine Nyirangaruye
Don Bosco Gatenga TSS, located in Gatenga sector, Kicukiro district, celebrated the Day of the African Child, emphasizing that this day should serve as a lesson for Africans to believe in themselves and showcase their potential. It’s on June 16, 2025.
This was announced during the celebration held at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS on the same date. The event featured various activities highlighting the history and origin of the Day of the African Child, and the lessons today’s African children can learn from those who came before them and excelled globally.
Some students at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS stood out by showcasing their talents and excelling in various competitions, including those involving creative talents and athletics. These outstanding students were awarded prizes.
After receiving their awards, the students delivered messages to their fellow African children, encouraging them to believe in themselves and demonstrate their abilities.
Ingenere Emelance, a student in the construction department, received an award for her performance in the sport known as American Basketball. She encouraged African children to love their studies, work hard, and use their talents.
She said:
“What I would encourage Africans to do is to work hard and showcase their talents while also loving what they study. Personally, I love construction and I perform well. Let’s work hard, stop doubting ourselves, and not base our worth on our skin color, but rather show that we are capable both in our country and abroad.”
Byiringiro Moise, a fourth-year plumbing student, also encouraged African children to be courageous and showcase their potential to the world.
He said:
“My message to fellow African children is to believe in themselves. They should know that what a white person can do, they can also do. The only difference is skin color. This is the time to build ourselves up so that Africa can shine for the world.”
Uzamureba Clementine, the Gender Officer at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS, said the reason she initiated the celebration was to reflect on the lessons this day should impart to Rwandan and African communities as a whole.
She said:
“The reason I thought of organizing this celebration at Don Bosco Gatenga TSS is because we have children, teachers, parents, and leaders who should understand the history of this day and the lessons we can draw from it as Rwandans and Africans. The message we want to deliver to our children in this school and in all technical and vocational education institutions, as well as to the broader Rwandan community, is that the African child is capable. What matters most is confidence and believing in oneself.”
Basigayabo Jean Bosco, the Education Inspector for Gatenga Sector in Kicukiro District, said that Rwanda has made impressive progress in showcasing its capabilities and urged African children to pursue education with the goal of becoming job creators.
He stated:
“Rwanda is not lagging behind; we are making great strides. Rwandans studying abroad are not at the bottom; instead, they are exemplary. Our message is that now is the right time for children to study with the goal of creating jobs and becoming entrepreneurs.”
The Day of the African Child is celebrated every year on June 16. It was officially established in 1991 by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU (Organization of African Unity) to commemorate the student protests that took place on June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa. These protests were against poor-quality education and the imposition of instruction in Afrikaans, calling instead for education in native African languages.
At Don Bosco Gatenga TSS, the Day of the African Child was celebrated not only to appreciate African children but also to empower them to take action to address the daily challenges they face by believing in themselves and demonstrating their abilities.
This celebration was made possible with funding from the Austrian Development Cooperation and Jugend Eine Welt.
