Africa’s most disenfranchised children
Children in Africa face enormous challenges that make them among the most deprived of their rights in the world. Here’s an introduction that addresses some of these challenges:
Many children in Africa face extreme poverty, which negatively affects their basic rights such as food, shelter, education and health care.
Quality education is a fundamental right of children, but many children in Africa face challenges in accessing education due to lack of funding, poor infrastructure and security conditions.
The lack of adequate health care makes children vulnerable to diseases and disabilities that can be avoided with good health care.
Many children in Africa are exposed to various forms of violence and exploitation, be it on the streets, in homes or at the hands of armed groups.
Some African countries are experiencing internal displacement and illegal migration, which makes children vulnerable and exploited.
These are some of the challenges facing children in Africa, and there are many efforts being made by the international community and NGOs to help them and provide them with better protection and opportunities.
The traditions of education and work of children in Africa a historical study
Throughout the ages, children in Africa and other parts of the world have been working in fields and homes, a practice that was not limited to this continent but extended to America, Europe and other human societies throughout history, even during the Fifties of the twentieth century. The researchers point out that this work, especially in rural areas, was part of a training and vocational educational system, where children learn skills and arts from their parents and grandparents, and continue the same practice after they grow up. Loretta bass emphasizes the validity of this phenomenon especially in the African context.
Africa is a continent of great cultural diversity, where agricultural communities in some areas work according to the system of genealogies and clans, where children train with adults, and the family and genealogies provide cultural assistance to children to learn the necessary work skills, enabling these communities to continue production in future generations. And in the old days, there were no formal schools, children were educated informally by working with family and Genealogy at an early age.
As has been the case in other parts of the world, child labour in Africa has traditionally been seen as a means of passing on values and responsibilities to younger generations, especially in rural communities that rely on agriculture for subsistence.
For example, in the village of bahray in northern Tanzania, children from the age of five are engaged in caring for crops, they help carry feed for animals from the age of nine, and responsibilities are distributed by age.
Historically, child labor in Africa has been an integral part of a family-and community-centered educational and economic system, which has contributed to the transfer of skills and values and ensuring the continuity of rural life.
Africa’s most disenfranchised children
Legislative and executive efforts to combat child labor in Africa
Most African governments intend to make serious efforts to combat the phenomenon of child labor, having officially signed three ILO conventions, in addition to signing several memorandums of understanding to start a program that falls under the international program for the reduction of child labor (IPEC). For example, Nigeria is actively participating in the international program for the reduction of child labor, as well as the implementation of the cocoa cultivation project in West Africa.the Child Rights Act of Nigeria is an integral part of labor laws, according to which exploitative labor of children is prohibited, and some states may prohibit children from working during school periods.
Kenya also passed the children’s act in 2001, which protects children from economic exploitation and work that could endanger their health or education, and prohibits the employment of children in military work or in armed conflicts. In addition, Ghana prohibits the employment of children in exploitative work or in work that adversely affects their health and education, and stipulates that children should not be employed at night, allowing them to engage in daytime work provided that it is safe and non-hazardous.
Although legislation exists in most African countries, the actual implementation of these laws remains a challenge that requires constant efforts and joint cooperation of all stakeholders.
Nurturing and empowering the role of AHAD in supporting children and youth in Africa
AHAD is distinguished by its outstanding role as one of the leading organizations in Africa in supporting children and youth facing difficult conditions. The association was established with the aim of improving the quality of life of children and providing them with educational opportunities, health care and social support.
Ahad society adopts a comprehensive approach, offering a wide range of programs and projects aimed at supporting the most needy children. These programs include providing free education, basic health care, food and shelter, as well as providing opportunities for enjoyment and self-development.
Through its continuous efforts, AHAD has succeeded in providing real opportunities for children to improve their lives and enable them to grow and develop. Thanks to its vision and commitment, the association has become a role model in social work in Africa, where its positive impacts extend to the entire society.
Contribute to their future supporting children in Africa through AHAD Association
AHAD association works hard to provide support and assistance to children in Africa in various vital fields. The association’s efforts include equipping schools with the necessary educational and technical resources, securing school tools and school uniforms, providing health care and health education for children and their families.
Thanks to its efforts, AHAD has made a positive impact on the lives of children in Ghana by providing educational opportunities, health care and social support. Through constant support and donations, children are able to live under better conditions and have better opportunities to realize their future ambitions.
Your donation to AHAD makes a difference in the lives of children in Africa and contributes to the achievement of sustainable development in society. Join us today and be a part of this positive impact on the future of children.
You can visit the ahad Association website to find out more about the projects it offers
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