2023 Africa day

About the event

Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) on this day, 25 May, in 1963. Formally known as African freedom day and then African Liberation day, its origin lies in the collective African resistance to colonialism and economic exploitation. The day was, and is, intended to highlight Africa’s continued collective struggle against adversity.

The African Union today strives to represent a vibrant continent of 1.2 Billion people. Today is a day to celebrate how far Africa has come against the odds and to recognise how much more needs to be done to ensure that all Africans can live healthy, happy lives.

How to approach it

This is a great opportunity to do two things. First, especially for younger children, introduce Africa as a dynamic, diverse continent. Often the dominant perception of Africa has been one of poverty and backwardness. Reverse these stereotypes by finding photos and videos that showcase modern Africa. Show that Africa has a rich history of civilisations, phenomenal natural resources and innovators. You could choose to show some examples of inventors, activists or artists that come from Africa.

Secondly, show students why African unity is important for Africans. Here is where you can begin to introduce the history of Africa, in particular, the history of slavery, colonialism and modern economic imperialism. Show that Africa was a diverse patchwork of peoples and communities that was (and is) subjected to external aggression from pillaging and occupation to the dominance of western corporations. African unity is a response to this external pressure, a collective desire to be free from it and to work towards a more equal international system together.

Conversation starter

Africa is a continent of over a billion people living in 54 countries. That’s a lot of land and a lot of people! This day African people celebrate the African Union, an organisation where Africans work together for the common good of Africa. What challenges do you think Africa faces? How can we, as Euopeans, help Africans and the African Union?

Comments

Mtebele held Africa day in grand style

Africa is a home for hope. On Africa Day, we celebrate the enormous promise and potential of this diverse and dynamic continent. The prospects on the horizon are bright – from Africa’s growing and vibrant youth population, to initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Decade of Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion, and the African Union’s bold vision for the future, Agenda 2063. But today, we are also reminded of the multiple challenges preventing Africa from reaching its full potential – including the COVID 19 pandemic and its devastating impact on African economies, climate change, unresolved conflicts, and a severe food crisis. To compound all this, the war in Ukraine is creating a perfect storm for developing countries, especially in Africa. This crisis is resulting in soaring costs for food, energy and fertilizer with devastating consequences on nutrition and food systems, while making it even more difficult for the continent to mobilize the financial r

Powerful remark from the principal of Mtebele Senior Secondary School Mr S Mbusi

A very Good Morning to our school committee members, honourable judges, staff, parents and dear students! I feel really honoured in sharing with you the achievements of our brilliant young students. This is an occasion of joy for all of us as we have come together for celebrating this auspicious day. This goes without saying that the award ceremony is amongst my most treasured occasions of the school as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the preceding year, address the whole community and share the achievements, success and plans of our school for the days to come. Our school truly believes that good education plays a crucial role in building a bright future for our children. Therefore, here we are committed to providing an atmosphere to our students where they all can imbibe good values and learn new things every day. I am extremely glad at the fact that our school committee members as well as teachers are leaving no stone unturned in working towards this direction. On t

PREAMBLE WE, the learners of Mtebele Senior Secondary School, acknowledges our loyalty to the school. COMMIT ourselves to the principles and practices of democratic school governance; and ADOPT this constitution for all learners at the school.

Mtebele Senior Secondary School

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