COMMEMMORATING KEY MOMENTS FOR CHILDREN IN JUNE

Close to 71% of children say play is important because it makes them happy, and 58% say that it helps them make friends and have a good time with others. It is estimated that 160 million children around the world are working instead of playing or learning. Only 1 in 4 children play out regularly on their street compared their grandparents generation where almost three-quarters said they played outside a few times a week. 41% of children had been told to stop playing out by either their parents or other adults such as neighbours. The theme is a reminder for all of us, governments, businesses, schools and families to take decisions that embrace and prioritize play for children. Play is essential for children’s growth, skills building and confidence. But too many are missing out. Let’s all choose play every day. Together, we can raise our voices for every child’s right to play and help ensure it is fulfilled.

16th June - Day of the African Child (DAC)

On 15th June 2025 Save the Children Uganda joined partners including UNICEF and World Vision to host a National Children’s Dialogue in Kamwenge District, bringing together children from refugee and host communities. The dialogue created a safe, inclusive space for children to express their views on issues affecting them especially around education, protection, and participation. Children confidently engaged with district leaders, shared their priorities, and collectively developed a position paper that was later presented during the official DAC celebration on 16th June 2025. Their voices were heard, documented, and committed to action, exemplifying true child-led advocacy. 

One participant, 13-year-old Daniel from Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, said: “If I were a leader, I would build more schools and ensure every child goes to school, because when we learn, we can help our country grow.”

“If i was in charge of budgeting in the country, i would extend education services to refugee students in the communities. You find that a student walks 40kms from home to school. Because of this long distance, children end up getting tired and drop out of school”. Justin- Student, DRC Refugee living in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement.

Justin also added that leaders should create awareness among parents so that parents know their responsibilities and take care of their children and not leave the responsibility to schools and organizations.

These statements captured the essence of the day- children’s dreams of a better future and their call for inclusive, child-centered policies and actions.

Children’s Voices in the National Newspaper
Under our NORAD partnership with New Vision, Save the Children produced a special DAC newspaper supplement that featured powerful reflections from children on progress and challenges in child protection and participation. Through stories, quotes, and calls to action, children used this platform to speak directly to policymakers and the public, advocating for stronger investment in services that uphold their rights. The publication not only highlighted gaps but also offered solutions from a child’s perspective, positioning children as active contributors to national discourse on child welfare.
 

Social Media Campaign
From June 4th to 16th June 2025, Save the Children Uganda ran a dynamic social media campaign that showcased children's voices from across the country including from hard-to-reach and refugee-hosting areas. Using videos, photos, and direct quotes, the campaign highlighted children’s dreams, demands, and insights tied to this year’s DAC theme, “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress since 2010”. The content reached wide audiences nationally and regionally, with contributions also shared with Save the Children’s regional office for continental celebrations. This digital platform ensured that children’s messages travelled far and resonated loudly, reinforcing the importance of child-led communication.
 

20th June- World Refugee Day
In Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative (URRI) project funded by the Embassy of Denmark spotlighted the inspiring story of the Ta Ratibu farmer group, led by Tiba, a refugee farmer who, together with fellow group members, is rewriting what it means to rebuild a life in displacement.  Through collective farming of maize and beans, the group not only generates income but also strengthens community bonds. Their model of deciding together what to sell, share, and save demonstrates how cooperation and determination can turn hardship into empowerment.