DANO, IOBA — The 34th celebration of the Day of the African Child was held in Dano, Ioba province, under the guidance of High Commissioner Bernadette Adenyo née Sermé, commemorating the event on June 19, 2024, with significant attendance from various child advocacy groups and community leaders.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the day was marked by cultural performances and speeches emphasizing the necessity of protecting children, especially in times of security and humanitarian crises. The event, themed “Problem of the protection and promotion of the rights of the family and the child,” attracted families from the South-West region, including Bougouriba, Noumbiel, and Poni provinces. Children and community leaders engaged in discussions and activities that highlighted both the achievements and ongoing challenges in child rights protection.
Plan International and Compassion International played pivotal roles, with representatives underscoring their commitment to supporting education and child protection initiatives in Burkina Faso. Clément Méda of Plan International elaborated on their five-year effort to enhance national systems for child protection in crisis situations. Meanwhile, Lassina Toé from Compassion International emphasized their vision of ensuring every child is known, loved, and protected, aiming to empower them to become responsible adults.
Local performances by children from evangelical churches and the Germain Nadal Catholic primary school captivated attendees with traditional dances and sketches advocating child well-being. Serges Ayoro, the provincial president of the Ioba children’s parliament, highlighted the critical role of parents and called for enhanced support from local authorities to strengthen the children’s parliament.
The event concluded with a call from local officials, including the prefect Denis Zanré, for more robust parental engagement through “positive parenting.” This approach encourages trust-building and serves as a model for children, contributing to a supportive and harmonious familial environment despite the challenging conditions.
The successful observance of this day reflects a collective effort to address child rights within the broader context of societal challenges, aiming to foster environments where children can thrive safely and confidently.