The International Day of the African Child isn't just about celebrating the children in our community—it's about giving them the tools to learn, grow, and thrive. As we prepared for the event this year, it became clear that our focus wasn't just on putting on a good show. We wanted to make sure the kids walked away with something more—skills, knowledge, and a sense of pride in who they are. Whether it was through teaching dances, running a snail soap-making workshop, or simply spending time together, we aimed to create a fun and meaningful experience, helping these incredible kids see their potential.
Why Celebrate?
Celebrating African children, especially those in rural areas, is a way to recognize their resilience, creativity, and the vital role they play in their communities. These children represent both the present and future, yet they often face significant challenges that can limit their opportunities. By celebrating them, we acknowledge their potential and the unique hurdles they must overcome.
Rural African children often grow up in environments with limited access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal development. By organizing events like the International Day of the African Child, we not only bring joy and a sense of pride to these children and their families, but we also raise awareness about the challenges they face. These celebrations can become platforms to advocate for better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities while reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation. Ultimately, celebrating rural African children is about affirming their importance and potential, showing them that despite the challenges, they are valued members of their communities with the ability to shape their futures and contribute positively to the world.
Finding Family in a New Friend
My involvement in the International Day of the African Child began with a simple conversation with my neighbor, Marie. At the time, we were just neighbors who knew each other in passing, but as we started working together on this event, I realized just how passionate she was about education and empowering those around her. Marie was deeply committed to engaging the children in the community and providing them with as many educational opportunities as possible, even in a setting where resources were limited.
As I listened to Marie talk about how much she valued education, I was reminded of my family back home. My family has always placed a high value on education, and hearing Marie express similar sentiments made me feel a deep connection to her. It was as if I was finding pieces of my family in her despite being thousands of miles away from home. This connection made me realize that, even in a completely different cultural context, the importance of education can be a unifying force. It also made me appreciate the universality of certain values, like the desire to see children grow, learn, and succeed.
Through the process of planning and executing the event, Marie and I began to collaborate on various projects, each one focusing on education and community empowerment. These collaborations were not only about achieving a common goal but also about deepening our understanding of each other and the community we both cared so much about. Working side by side, I saw firsthand how Marie's passion for education translated into real action—whether it was organizing dance practices, helping with the snail soap-making workshop, or brainstorming ways to make the event more impactful.
As we continued to work together, our professional collaboration naturally turned into a strong friendship. We supported each other not just as colleagues but as friends who shared common goals and values. Our bond grew stronger with each project, and I found in Marie not just a collaborator but someone I could trust and rely on.
Dance as a Universal Language
My funny, beautiful, and amazing dance teacher!
One of the first turning points in preparing for the International Day of the African Child was when our planning sessions turned into dance classes. Initially, I was just teaching evening English classes at Marie's house, but as we started preparing for the event, we realized that dance was something everyone enjoyed. What began as a casual activity with a few children quickly became a cornerstone of our preparations. I found myself teaching nearly 100 children different American dances, and in return, they taught me Cameroonian dances, including the indigenous Bafia dance. Dance turned out to be a universal language that allowed us to connect beyond words.
Educational Activities and Community Impact
The other educational activities, such as the snail soap-making workshop and nutrition training, were integral to the event's success. These activities provided practical skills and knowledge that the children could use in their daily lives. For example, the snail soap-making workshop not only taught the children how to create a product that could potentially generate income for their families, but it also connected them to sustainable agricultural practices by using local materials to maximize profits.
My girl Marie can do it all!!!
The nutrition training was another highlight, as it addressed an essential aspect of the children's well-being. With the help of Grace, the health volunteer, we taught the children about balanced diets and the importance of nutrition in their growth and development. The children were able to show their knowledge through different games and activities, which was so chaotic but so fun.
Your 2024 International Day of the African Child Jeopardy winners!!
We also began painting a world map mural, which is not yet complete but was a fun opportunity to discuss the world and geography with the students.
Looking to the Future
As I think about next year's event, I'm excited to share more aspects of American culture. I'm particularly interested in introducing sports and more music-based activities, as they are both fun and core parts of American culture. I'm also considering organizing a small cooking workshop to share some simple American recipes that can be made with local ingredients.
At the same time, I'm eager to continue learning about Cameroonian culture. I plan to explore more traditional practices and incorporate them into the event. My goal for next year is to create an even more integrated celebration that honors both American and Cameroonian traditions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared experiences while providing the children with more educational opportunities.
Reflecting
Participating in this event has profoundly changed my perspective on my role in the community and my Peace Corps service. I've come to see that my impact here isn't just about the projects I lead or the skills I bring—it's about the relationships I build and the ways I can contribute to the community's overall well-being. This event showed me that I'm not just an outsider trying to make a difference; I'm part of a community that values collaboration and shared learning.
On a personal level, I've experienced significant growth. I've developed a deeper appreciation for the cultural exchange that happens when we come together to celebrate and learn from one another. This experience has reinforced my commitment to my Peace Corps service, and I'm excited to see how I can continue to grow and contribute in the future.
The International Day of the African Child was more than just a celebration—it was a journey of connection, growth, and cultural exchange. Through dance, education, and shared experiences, I found a deeper sense of belonging and purpose in my community. I look forward to continuing this journey, building on what we've accomplished, and finding new ways to celebrate the incredible children of Cameroon. My next project is even more focused on empowering the children in my community and equipping them with the basics of success. Some may say it blows the International Day of the African Child out of the water... more to come soon!
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