DR Congo – Luwowoshi: Children Raise Their Voices for Education and Against Abuses on the Day of the African Child 2025
By Tatiana Ballay, Communications Officer
On 24 June 2025, the school Les Délices du Savoir in Luwowoshi hosted a significant celebration of the International Day of the African Child. Organised by World Vision in partnership with the Subdivision of National Education and New Citizenship of Lubumbashi 4, the event gathered more than 900 participants from various backgrounds, including 565 primary school pupils (311 girls). In the DRC, this annual tribute resonates deeply, as child labour, violence, exploitation, and school dropouts remain pressing concerns.
Held under the theme “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010”, this year’s commemoration highlighted the urgent need for collective action to uphold children's rights.
In a solemn atmosphere, children presented poems, short plays, and powerful messages denouncing the abuses they face. A highlight of the event was the presentation of an advocacy message by child representatives, calling for concrete protective actions.
“We are still children. We need a childhood filled with education, rest, and play,” declared Nestor, aged 14.
“Some of our friends work in mines or sell at the market to support their families. We hope that everyone can help us grow up in a safe and protective environment.”, he added.
Alicia, also aged 14, gave an emotional appeal:
“Protecting a child is an investment in the future. I dream of a world where every child can go to school without fear, hunger, or violence. Today, we ask to be heard and respected.”
And they were heard. Local leaders from the Luwowoshi, Kipanta, and La Vallée neighbourhoods pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Community-Based Child Protection Networks (RECOPE) to raise awareness, promote suggestion boxes, and encourage the reporting of abuse.
“The children expressed their concerns with great courage. Now it’s our turn to act concretely,” affirmed Augustin Kazadi, World Vision’s Child Well-Being Facilitator.
“This day is more than symbolic, it’s a catalyst for social transformation. Every neighbourhood has a role to play to ensure that no child grows up in fear or is left behind.”
To solidify this commitment, 598 children received school kits including uniforms and notebooks, provided by World Vision through its local programme, an essential support for vulnerable families and school reintegration.
“It’s the first time I’ve received a new uniform. It makes me want to go to school every day,” said Alicia, beaming as she clutched her new notebooks.
Teachers also welcomed the initiative.
“Many of our pupils arrive at school tired because they worked all night or over the weekend. We do what we can, but we need the community’s support to protect these children,” explained a teacher at Les Délices du Savoir. “This day strengthens our commitment.”
Numerous forms of abuse were highlighted, such as market work, mining activities, dropping out of school, physical violence, and sexual assault. Though widely known, these practices are often ignored. The event therefore catalyzed to break in the silence, placing children at the forefront as advocates for their protection.
The Day of the African Child 2025 in Luwowoshi was far more than a ceremony—it was a moment of remembrance, truth-telling, and a call to action. The voices of Nestor, Alicia, and so many others delivered a clear message: childhood must be protected, heard, and valued.
“Every protected, heard, and respected child becomes a peacebuilder for tomorrow,” concluded Kazadi.
And that is the essence of this day: to amplify the voices of those too often unheard, to build a future that is just, dignified, and equitable.