Celebrating the Day of the African Child: Challenges and Commitments for Education

On the occasion of the Day of the African Child 2024, the CDEJs of the Avé and Avé-Agou cluster, composed of 23 churches, gathered in Bagbé on June 14 to celebrate this significant event. The meeting brought together several stakeholders, including heads of inspection, teachers from the University of Lomé, community leaders, CVDs, pastors, parents, and children cared for in various centers.

The purpose of this day is to highlight the challenges and achievements in education in the prefectures of Avé and AGOU. Although efforts are being made on the ground, obstacles remain, including school dropouts due to lack of parental income, insufficient classrooms, and a shortage of teachers. These problems hamper the quality of education desired by the government in these communities.

According to Dimobe Yobé David, TG0133 project coordinator, A/D Anyron, expressed his concerns: " Collaboration with teaching staff remains a challenge, especially when we ask for children's academic results. Often, these results are not provided or are provided in exchange for money, although it is an obligation for the teacher to provide them. " He also mentioned the lack of teaching materials, which makes education in rural areas less effective compared to that in urban areas.

The organizers called on the global education community to support their efforts on the ground, so that the education of children in rural prefectures is equivalent to that of large cities. " We invite the educational world to support us so that the education of our children is at the same level as that of children in large cities ," said Mr. Witta First, Chairman of the Management Committee.

Ms. PEDJEBA Solim, educational advisor at IEPP Avé, added: " Children with or without disabilities, girls or boys, they must all go to school. " This call underlines the importance of inclusivity in education, so as to leave no child behind.

Another crucial aspect addressed during this celebration is the fight against corruption and poverty. Mr. Witta First said, "We are going through a period of great corruption that affects the future of our children. This celebration is an opportunity to focus on their education and prepare them for a better future, far from corruption."

He also pointed out that poverty leads some parents to think that school is a waste of resources, especially when they see older students who have graduated and are unemployed. " We want to prove that every child has their own talent and future, even if their older brother or sister can't find a job. God has prepared something different for each one. "

Furthermore, Mr. AGBOMSON Ayawo, Head of the Planning and Development Department of the Avé 1 Town Hall, stated that the town hall is working in partnership with the justice system to resolve the problems of children who are not allowed to attend school. "All children must have access to school. The town hall staff is committed to providing school supplies as soon as the school year begins. The town hall structures are working hard to ensure that schools are electrified and allow children to study in optimal conditions."

The celebration of the Day of the African Child in Bagbé was marked by an awareness of educational challenges and a call for collective action to improve the situation. Organizers hope that this day will strengthen efforts to provide every child with a quality education and a promising future, free from the evils of corruption and poverty.

DJAMIOU