Nearly 1400 children participated in the commemoration of the International Day of the African Child at the site of internally displaced persons in Bulengo, near Goma. Generally celebrated on June 16th of each year, the 2024 International Day of the African Child was commemorated on June 18th in Bulengo, where HEAL Africa and its partners gathered several hundred children.

Fun activities such as games, dance, sketches, recitation of poems, and a presentation of capoeira delighted the participants, offering an emotional breath of fresh air and psychological relief to children living in the camp for internally displaced persons in Bulengo.

Under the coordination of HEAL Africa and Save The Children, the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the African Child in Bulengo saw the participation of other partners such as the Children’s Parliament (Parlement d’Enfants) of Goma and Umoja in Action.

A global context contrasting with the 2024 global theme

Thousands of children live in displacement situation due to the escalation of war in the eastern part of the DRC. They face interrupted education, health precariousness, as well as risks of exploitation and sexual abuse. “Despite the global theme of the 2024 International Day of the African Child which advocates for education for all children in Africa, the reality for displaced children in North Kivu is quite different,” emphasized Daniel MBUNGU, project coordinator at HEAL Africa.

In collaboration with partner organizations like Save The Children, HEAL Africa has established Child-Friendly Spaces (Espaces Amis d’Enfants) in various sites for internally displaced persons in Goma and its surroundings. These spaces offer children recreational activities and opportunities for socialization, as well as specific support for children who are survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Positive parenting sessions are also offered to help host families better care for displaced children.

Given the persistence of wars and armed conflicts in the region, it is crucial that these initiatives continue to support children and their families, as expressed by Nikuze (pseudonym), representing the voices of children. “In the difficult conditions we live in here, we hope to continue benefiting from the activities offered by the Child-Friendly Space in Bulengo until peace is restored in our villages”, she said.