International Day of the African Child 2013

The Day of the African Child is a day recognized throughout the world as a way to reflect on progress toward health, education, equality and protection for all of the continent’s children. This celebration focuses on both the cultural variety and overall spirit of Africa. The Day of the African Child commemorates the day of June 16, 1976, when over 10, 000 black school children took to the streets of Soweto township in South Africa, to protest the inferior quality of education that they were receiving from the apartheid regime as well as demand their rights to be taught in their own language. Several children were shot down by security forces. 

Today the Day of the African Child focuses on the plight of African Children today, and also on the richness of the culture and opportunities open to them now. 

This day is a great opportunity to learn about the cultures and realities of the vast and varied societies of Africa, and to build bonds of understanding, respect, and mutually beneficial relationships between people in the Pacific Northwest and people in Africa. Day of the African Child is a celebration of the cultural diversity in all of us!

The Harambee Centre has brought this day of celebration and learning to the Portland area since 2007.  Many children have learned and experienced African culture and traditions.  It is a place where families have shared  the diversity of our world. 

Please donate to help present the parade of flags from all African nations by children from Martin Luther King School, and to provide workshops for children featuring the African worlds of dance, music, and storytelling.  Specify "Day of the African Child" to direct your funds to this project.

Harambee Centre
P.O. Box 6617
Portland, Oregon 97228-6617 USA
Telephone: (503) 710-8264
info@harambeecentre.org