A Hundred Young People Celebrate Hope and Remembrance at the Edimar Princesse Grace Center.
Monday, June 16, 2025 – The Edimar Princesse Grace Center brought together nearly one hundred street children for a vibrant and colorful celebration of the Day of the African Child. With dancing, discussions, remembrance, and engagement, the young participants experienced a day full of emotions and learning.
It was barely 10 a.m. when the first bursts of laughter echoed through the courtyard of the Edimar Center. About a hundred street children from the neighborhoods of Mvan, Etoudi, Omnisport, and Downtown gathered for this extraordinary day. From the start, Séraphine TCHUIDJANG, an educator in charge of socio-cultural activities, set the tone with a lively and energetic session. To the rhythm of an African-themed playlist, the children got up and started dancing—some shyly, others enthusiastically. Smiles quickly lit up their faces: the ice was broken, and the day could begin.
Shortly after, Patrick BIDONG, program coordinator at Edimar, took the floor. In a warm tone, he declared:
“Today is your day. It’s your time to speak, to dream, to understand that your rights are not gifts—they are necessities. You are the Africa that is growing.”
Loud applause followed. Emotions were gradually rising.
Then, the floor was given to Mrs. Marthe NDJE NDJE, head of the Street and Reception program, to present the day’s schedule. As an introduction, she gave a brief historical reminder of the events of June 16, 1976, in Soweto, South Africa—events that later led to the creation of the Day of the African Child.
“If we celebrate this day at Edimar,” she said, “it’s because the story of those children is also the story of all African children who still fight today to go to school, to be respected, and to live with dignity. We want you to know that your voice matters.”
REMEMBERING TO UNDERSTAND BETTER
The most moving moment of the morning was the screening of a documentary recounting the tragic events of June 16, 1976. Archival footage showing young South African protesters, the brutal repression, the screams, the slogans, the first youth shot and carried away—these images stirred emotion and sadness among the young viewers.
Right after this powerful immersion, Pascal BOYOMO, head of the Life and Love Education Program, gave a presentation on this year’s theme:
“Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010.”
Despite the complexity of the topic, the children remained attentive and captivated. Some asked questions about the real impact of political decisions; others tried to connect the theme to their daily experiences. These relevant questions from the youth of the Center showed just how deeply they care about issues that aim to restore their dignity and support their reintegration.
LEARNING THROUGH FUN
To end this memorable day, each child was given a small piece of paper to write a message of hope or a suggestion. These were then hung on a symbolic “tree of life” that had been drawn. Each young person stepped forward, attaching their card with a message, a hope, a dream. Among the notes, one could read:
“I want to protect my little brothers,”
“I promise to study,”
—simple words and phrases, but full of meaning and life.
The 2025 Day of the African Child at Edimar was more than just a series of activities. It was a space for remembrance, expression, and above all, a moment of shared dignity. The street children left with smiles, their hearts a little fuller.