This child-led conference will bring together 1 300 children from across the continent, 300 attending in person and 1 000 participating virtually, to discuss critical issues affecting their well-being and advocate for their rights.
Under the theme “Seen, Heard, Engaged,” the summit aims to amplify children’s voices in policymaking and decision-making processes that shape their lives. The event underscores the commitment to ensuring that children actively participate in discussions and policies that impact their future.
Speaking on the summit's objectives, the Chief Director of Communications at the Department of Social Development, Bathembu Futshane, highlighted its role in promoting child-centred advocacy.
“We want to ensure that children have a platform to express their views, discuss issues affecting them, and be central to solutions designed in their name. This initiative empowers children to become agents of change in their own lives,” said Futshane.
He further stressed the importance of inclusive participation, with efforts made to include children from rural and marginalised communities, those with disabilities, and children who have experienced violence or educational inequality.
“The lived experiences of these children will be used as evidence for policy recommendations that emerge from the summit,” he added.
The summit will focus on critical areas such as accessibility and inclusivity in education, ensuring children play an active role in shaping their learning environments. Climate change and its impact on education, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather conditions like floods and droughts, will also be a key discussion point.
Another significant topic is the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation in education. Participants will explore both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, ensuring that technological advancements benefit rather than harm children.
School violence and its effects on learning will also be addressed, with discussions aimed at fostering safer educational environments across the continent.
Children from 33 African countries, representing all five regions of the continent, will attend the summit. This wide representation aims to strengthen collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector in addressing children's issues.
“As Africa, we need to work together to ensure that children's concerns are prioritised and addressed at all levels,” Futshane concluded.
--ChannelAfrica--
