Day Of African Child: Ngandu AP Children Lead Community Action for Safe Water, Hygiene and Sanitation

In the Ngandu neighbourhood of Kimbanseke Municipality in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, hundreds of children marched through the streets accompanied by drums, cymbals, and flutes to deliver a powerful message to their community: ensuring every child has access to safe water, hygiene, and sanitation. Organised by World Vision DRC through its Ngandu Area Programme, the celebration of the Day of the African Child brought together local authorities, community leaders, teachers, and parents to promote children's rights and well-being.

Held under the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” the event provided children with an opportunity to become leading ambassadors of change within their community.

At the forefront of the awareness-raising procession, child parliamentarians carried a large banner displaying this year’s theme. From Bisengo Mwambe Catholic Church to the Ngandu local market, they delivered messages encouraging families to adopt good hygiene practices, keep their surroundings clean, use appropriate sanitation facilities, and protect water sources.

The festive atmosphere that accompanied the march attracted the attention of many residents. Through songs, dances, and messages delivered by the children, the streets of the neighbourhood were transformed into a platform for community awareness, highlighting that access to safe water, hygiene, and sanitation remains essential for children's health, education, and future.

“Today, we raised awareness in our community about the importance of water, hygiene, and sanitation. We want every family to keep their environment clean and protect water sources so that all children can grow up healthy,” said Jules, a 17-year-old child parliamentarian.

Speaking during the ceremony, Jimmy Safari, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist for World Vision DRC's Kinshasa Cluster, emphasised the importance of a comprehensive WASH package in protecting and supporting children's development.

“Water, hygiene, and sanitation are essential for the health and development of children. When families adopt good hygiene practices and have access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities, they reduce the risk of disease and help create an environment where children can thrive,” he explained.

Through this celebration, World Vision DRC reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside communities to ensure that every child grows up in a clean, healthy, and protective environment. The strong mobilisation witnessed in Ngandu demonstrates that when children are informed, engaged, and listened to, they become genuine agents of change capable of inspiring an entire community.