Education in Africa: From Horror to Hope
It’s June 16th—the International Day of the African Child!
Beginning in 1991, the African Union designated this day as such, setting it aside to honor the students who were massacred during the Soweto Uprising of 1976. During the uprising, South African students marched for their right to a quality education in their own language. They argued that trying to understand a government-enforced foreign language detracted from their ability to grasp complex concepts. Tragically, the students met a violent police force, and many of them sacrificed their lives for what they knew to be their right: education.
The response of the African Union signified that they were willing to employ their grief as the catalyst for change and hope. Ultimately, they began to fight for children’s rights and empowerment—particularly for their right to a quality education.
While these efforts have made a significant difference, in many places, education is still a rare privilege—not a guarantee. But for ROWAN’s orphans and widows, it is.
We recognize that an education often precedes an escape from poverty. Not only this, but education also significantly reduces the probability of contracting AIDS.
100% of the orphans that graduate with ROWAN find and hold a sustainable job for their futures. So far, we have 11 college graduates who are now employed in a variety of fields. Some are lawyers, artists, and teachers; others have pursued their dreams to work in agricultural, radio, engineering, and more!
Made possible by each donor who funds a sponsorship, ROWAN prioritizes and enables the education of orphans and widows. To learn more about how you can join us, CLICK HERE
