​Our children are our future and one of the basic responsibilities is to care for them in the best and most compassionate manner possible”. These are the words of the former statesman, the late Nelson Mandela.
This was evident as thousands of African children took part in the three-day Africa Children’s Summit 2025 in Parktown, Johannesburg to ensure that the vision for caring and protecting children as articulated by former South African President Nelson Mandela, stays alive.  

The summit saw children from as far as Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Uganda, Zimbabwe, DRC, Zambia and Mozambique to name a few gathering to ensure that their voices and ideas are heard. They further formulated a policy document that outlined the demands of our future leaders, the children.

Representing millions of African children as she detailed the policy statement, Tara Hendricks, Child Chairperson of the Africa Children’s Summit 2025 stated that they want leaders and governments throughout the continent to make sure that every child goes to school, feels safe, eincluded, and have a brighter future.
 
These were the key highlights from the outcome statement as presented by Child Chairperson, Tara Hendricks. 

Free and Fair Education for All
“Schools should be free for every child. No one should stay home because they can’t pay fees. Governments should give support like bursaries and scholarships to children whose families cannot afford school. Children with Disabilities should also learn in schools that meet their needs, with teachers who understand sign language and other special ways of learning and teaching.”
 
Better School Buildings and Facilities
“We want schools that are safe and comfortable. That means more classrooms, desks, clean toilets, clean water, and safe places to play. Children in villages or far places should get help with transportation, like bicycles or school buses.”
 
Books, School Supplies, and Technology
“We need books, pens, and other learning tools in all our schools. We also want schools to use helpful technology, like computers and AI, especially for children who can’t afford these at home.”
 
More and Better Teachers
“We need more good teachers who understand every child’s needs. Some of us learn in different ways, speak different languages, or need extra help. Teachers should be trained to support all kinds of learners.”
 
Stop Unfair Treatment and Bad Traditions
“Some children are kept out of school because of early marriage or because they’re girls or have disabilities. This is not right. We want every one to be treated fairly, and for harmful traditions to stop. Let all children go to school and learn equally.”
 
Help Our Families So We Can Stay in School
“When families don’t have money, some children stop going to school. We want our parents and guardians to get support, jobs, or skills to earn more money. This will help us to stay in school.”
 
End Violence and Keep Us Safe
“We want to feel safe at home and at school. No bullying. No hitting. No abuse. There should be people to help when things go wrong. Teachers and parents must learn how to treat children with love and respect. National governments should ratify treaties and put laws in place against child and early marriages and these laws should be enforced”
 
Let Children Share Their Ideas
“We want to be part of the decisions that affect our lives. Give us a chance to speak up, lead school groups, and help shape rules and plans. Children with Disabilities should also be included in all activities. Their special needs should be taken care of by trained teachers. Schools should also have sports and games made for children with Disabilities, so everyone can play and have fun.”
 
Technology That Helps, Not Harms
“We want access to safe and useful internet and digital tools to aid our learning. However, we also want to stay safe online. Children should be taught how to use AI and the internet in a good way, and adults should help protect us from harm. Protect children against pornography and negative media.”
 
Healthy Minds and Bodies
“Children learn best when they are happy and healthy. We want schools to provide meals, sanitary pads for girls, and offer support when we feel sad or stressed as well as comprehensive sexuality education. There should be time to play and safe spaces to relax and be ourselves.”
 
“Substance abuse should be prohibited with stricter laws being instituted concerning children. The government should penalise parents who allow their children to use drugs and ensure that the children be put into foster care.”

Together, We Can Make a Change!
“We are the future. We want to learn, grow, and help 
our countries. We ask our leaders to listen, act, and 
collaborate with us to make these dreams come true, 
for every child, everywhere in Africa.”