Child Welfare Council Celebrates African Child Day with Al-Shehinab Children

Zainab Ahmed Ali Abu Joda, Secretary of the Child Welfare Council in Khartoum State, representing the Minister of Social Development, Siddig Hassan Farini, addressed a celebration organized by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Al-Shehinab area, Northern Rural Karari Locality, on the occasion of the African Child Day, observed annually on June 16.

Zainab extended greetings to the children of Sudan in general and to the children of Khartoum State, particularly those in Al-Shehinab, conveying the greetings and best wishes of Minister Farini.

She emphasized that this year’s celebration highlights the rights of African children under the theme: “Ensuring Every Child’s Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.” She explained that the theme aims to promote children’s rights and well-being, ensure their right to live in a clean environment, and protect them socially and health-wise.

She further noted that the Child Welfare Council works on child protection, care, and development in coordination with relevant stakeholders, and expressed appreciation to the International Rescue Committee for organizing the event.

The celebration was attended by representatives of the Voluntary and Humanitarian Work Commission, the Ministry’s Community Awareness Department, IRC protection officers, community leaders, and students from Al-Shehinab schools.

Al-Rashid Yousif, representing the International Rescue Committee, stated that commemorating this day sends an important message to children that their needs must be addressed and that efforts should continue to ensure access to their fundamental rights in accordance with international standards.

He highlighted the protection project being implemented in Al-Shehinab through the training of community protection committees and thanked the Ministry of Social Development, represented by the Child Welfare Council and the Commission, for their participation.

For his part, Majd Al-Din Abdulmonim, Head of the Local Protection Committee, stressed the importance of the role of officials and community responsibility in providing children with a decent life, particularly in education, healthcare, and nutrition, as well as adopting policies that support these goals.

The celebration featured creative performances by students from Al-Shehinab schools and the Layali Comedy Group, bringing joy and smiles to the children.