International Day of the African Child – Brave Movement Uganda

Raising Teenagers Uganda joined members of the Brave Movement Uganda in commemorating the Day of the African Child, a day dedicated to amplifying the voices of African children and advocating for their rights, safety and well-being. This year’s theme “Every Child Deserves a Violent Free Childhood” echoed deeply through the celebration held at St. Mary’s Primary School Katete in Mbarara, where young girls and boys came together in solidarity with advocates, educators and changemakers determined to end childhood sexual violence. 

The event brought together a diverse network of partners and stakeholders who echoed one common vision: a Uganda where every child can grow up free from violence. Through songs and poetry, the children expressed not just pain but also hope. It was moving to see how children, when given a platform, can articulate their experiences and expectations with such clarity and strength. As part of the Brave Movement Uganda, Raising Teenagers Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to ending childhood sexual violence by continuing its advocacy, community dialogues, school-based interventions and mentorship programs. The event also created a vibrant space for learning, healing and collective action. It served as a reminder that while progress has been made in addressing child protection, the silence surrounding sexual violence against children remains one of the biggest barriers to justice and healing. Raising Teenagers Uganda stood tall among those leading the charge to break this silence. From the moment the event began, the atmosphere was filled with purpose. 

Young children held placards boldly declaring: “Child Sexual Abuse Leaves Scars That Last a Lifetime” and “Break the Silence.” These were not just messages, they were calls to action, demands for protection and affirmations of resilience. At the heart of the celebration was the need to empower girls to speak up. Raising Teenagers Uganda took this opportunity to conduct interactive sessions focused on confidence-building and self-expression. Young people were encouraged to share their thoughts, fears and dreams in a safe, non-judgmental environment. They were reminded that their voices matter and that speaking up can be a powerful step toward healing and justice. We believe that empowering young people to speak up about abuse, injustice or discrimination begins by giving them the language, confidence and support to do so. When children are taught that their voices are powerful, they become a force for change not only in their own lives but in their communities as well. 

Throughout the event, emphasis was made on listening to survivors and supporting them to break the silence. This was not just a slogan on placards, it was the heart of the entire movement. Survivors of childhood sexual violence are often forced into silence by fear, stigma or threats. The celebration emphasized that breaking the silence is not a burden survivors should carry alone, it is a shared responsibility. Partners shared powerful messages reminding children and adults that listening is one of the most radical acts of solidarity. Every disclosure should be met with belief, support and immediate protection. We are BRAVE so that children can be SAFE. That bravery must begin with those who are in positions to listen and act. 

This year’s celebration was a reminder of the power of collaboration. The co-hosts of Brave Movement Uganda i.e. Raising Teenagers Uganda and Healing Together’s collaboration demonstrated that when organizations come together, resources multiply and impact deepens. Through united action, we can ensure that no child is left behind, no survivor is silenced and no community remains uninformed. Our collective voices send a strong message to perpetrators and enablers of abuse: The silence is broken and the fight has just begun. While DAC2025 gave us a powerful moment to unite and reflect, our work continues every single day. Raising Teenagers Uganda will carry forward the momentum by deepening school engagement, expanding our Girls Matter Clubs and scaling up community sensitization sessions that challenge harmful social norms. Ending childhood sexual violence is not just a girls’ issue, it is a human issue. As we build the confidence of girls, we must also raise boys who respect boundaries, value consent and become allies in safeguarding their peers. We are proud to be part of this generation’s voice for protection, justice and empowerment. Our dream is simple yet powerful, a world where no child is afraid to speak and no adult is afraid to listen. We did not just mark the Day of the African Child; we are reshaping the future of the African Child.