DR Congo: Child Participation And Leadership Promoted At World Children’s Day In Lubumbashi Cluster

By Tatiana Ballay – Communications Officer

World Children’s Day was celebrated on November 20 in the areas program of Luwowoshi, Malambwe, and Sambwa, located in the Lubumbashi cluster. Through activities initiated and led by the children themselves, for children, these celebrations highlighted the active role of young people in promoting and defending their rights. These participatory initiatives not only inspired their peers but also engaged adults in supporting these efforts.

When Children Become Trainers

In Luwowoshi, an interactive training session brought together children aged 8 to 11, along with local education authorities and religious leaders. At the heart of this activity, Alicia, 14 years old, a student and passionate child rights advocate, led enriching discussions. With ease and confidence, she shared her knowledge and facilitated the debates.

“It was an amazing experience to be able to share with other children what I’ve learned about our rights. Seeing them ask questions and participate actively gave me even more motivation to continue this fight,” said Alicia with a smile.

Participants praised this unique initiative, where young people themselves take the lead in raising awareness. Mr. Wakulu Eric, director of Mwaiseni College, emphasized the impact of this innovative approach:  

“Seeing a child take the floor and train her peers is not only inspiring, but it also strengthens their mutual understanding and commitment. This is a model we should promote more.”

In the Malambwe program area, the celebration gathered preschool and primary school students in the presence of local authorities. Activities included songs, dances, and educational messages about children’s rights.  

Fiston Mutombo, a facilitator for child well-being in Malambwe, explained in his welcoming speech that this event aimed to raise children’s awareness, from a young age, about the knowledge and defense of their rights:  

“This event is more than just a festive occasion. It marks an important step in teaching these children, from an early age, about their rights and giving them the courage to defend them.”

In Sambwa, 25 children, including 18 sponsored children, participated in an educational day focused on children’s rights. The day began with an interactive reminder of children’s fundamental rights, followed by creative activities such as singing and drawing. Through their artwork, the children illustrated their visions and aspirations regarding the respect for their rights. These activities aimed to strengthen their understanding of children’s rights while stimulating their creativity and engagement.

A Child-Centered Approach

This exceptional day in the Lubumbashi cluster illustrates the transformative impact of child-to-child awareness-raising. By placing young people at the heart of the process, these celebrations show that children are not just beneficiaries, but active agents in shaping their own future.

A Call to Action

As World Children’s Day comes to an end, the communities of Luwowoshi, Malambwe, and Sambwa call on us to continue this momentum. Let these children continue to be the voices of their generation, and let adults commit to listening, supporting, and acting to ensure a better future for all children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.