On 16 June 2026, Khomastura Secondary School joined the continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child under the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.” The day served as a reminder of the courage of the young people of Soweto in 1976 and their lasting call for dignity, quality education and a better future for every African child.
Youth4CAN, under the leadership of Ms Toini Amutenya, attended and addressed the learners as a guest speaker. Ms Amutenya emphasised that water is life. From drinking and washing to attending school in a clean and safe environment, access to clean water and proper sanitation affects every part of a child’s daily life. For many children across Africa, however, long walks to fetch water, thirst in classrooms and inadequate sanitation facilities remain daily challenges.
In Namibia, where water is one of the country’s most precious resources, learners were encouraged to become champions of water conservation and environmental stewardship. The message was clear: young people are not only leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today who can make a real difference in their homes, schools and communities.
Learners were challenged to save water, report leaking taps, practise good hygiene, keep school facilities clean, take part in community clean-up activities and use creativity to find solutions to water challenges. The speaker also reminded learners that access to clean water and sanitation is not a privilege, but a basic human right that supports health, education and opportunity.
As the school marked the Day of the African Child, the central message was one of responsibility and hope: by honouring the past and taking action in the present, young people can help build a future where every child has clean water, safe sanitation, quality education and the opportunity to thrive. Every drop counts. Every child matters. Every voice can make a difference.
