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Celebrating The Day of the African Child

On 16 June 1976, thousands of black school children in Soweto, South Africa, took to the streets to protest the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young boys and girls were shot down. In memory of these brave young campaigners, every year on 16 June we celebrate Day of the African Child.

Today Save the Children is celebrating Day of the African Child with a wave of campaigning activity across Africa and the UK.
This afternoon we are holding two events in Parliament. The first is a press call outside the House of Lords, where MPs and Peers will join our supporters, campaigners and staff at the launch of ‘Make Your Mark’.
Then later on this evening we are holding a Parliamentary Briefing for MPs – where we will discuss our advocacy calls ahead of the G8 summit in Italy at the start of July.
At the same time, in 12 countries across Africa – including Sierra Leone, Nigeria and South Africa – thousands of adults, children, celebrities and decision makers will be making to show their governments that they want change. From marches to radio dial ins to collecting thousands of thumbprints, people across Africa are demanding change, and you can support them!
Make your mark online today and get as many of your friends and family to do so too. The more people who act, the more pressure we can put on governments to make significant changes to save children’s lives. Act Now!

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