Today, we remember them, the children. The boy sitting in a classroom with an empty stomach. The girl who dreams of becoming a doctor but has never seen the inside of a school. The baby crawling in a dusty compound, unaware of the silent battles life is preparing for them. This is not fiction. This is the reality for millions of children across Africa.
One in every five African children is out of school. According to UNESCO, more than 98 million children and youth in sub-Saharan Africa are not in school. That’s nearly the population of Egypt. And for many of those who do go to school, classrooms are overcrowded, books are missing, and teachers are overwhelmed.
But hunger is the first trouble. The worst. Over 60 million children in Africa suffer from chronic malnutrition, says UNICEF. That means they go to bed hungry. Not once, not twice but most nights. It stunts their growth, weakens their bodies, and limits their ability to learn and thrive. Without food, a child cannot focus. Without focus, there is no education. Without education, there is no future.
So what do we do?
We act.
At Deking Charity Foundation, we believe that every child deserves a fair start. Not just in theory, but in real, practical ways. We believe in democratizing opportunity, breaking the walls that separate children born into privilege from those born into poverty. We believe in bridging the gap.
That means:
- Feeding the hungry. Not once, but every day. A child who eats will learn.
- Building access to education. Not just schools, but libraries, digital classrooms, mentorship.
- Teaching technology. The world is digital. African children must not be left behind.
- Instilling morals and values. We must teach our children honesty, empathy, dignity and the fear of God.
- Raising leaders. Let’s not just hope for a better tomorrow, let’s raise those who will build it.
Children must be taught to love and honour God, to serve others, and to respect themselves and their communities. Charity begins at home, and so must this movement. The home is the first classroom. Parents, guardians, neighbors, teachers, we are all involved. It is not the work of governments alone. It is not the job of NGOs alone. It is the work of every heart that cares.
Let’s build spaces where children are safe, loved, and taught. Let’s remove the fear of tomorrow from their hearts. Let’s raise children who are not just trying to survive, but are ready to lead.
By 2030, the United Nations aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. But that future will not build itself. It starts with every plate of food, every donated book, every kind word, every line of code taught, every moment spent listening and mentoring.
Let us not be silent. Let us not delay. Today is Children’s Day but every day, children are counting on us.
Join us. Support us. Let’s raise a generation that will change Africa forever.
