The Day of the African Child commemoration was observed on 14 June 2013 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The objective of the commemoration was to call attention to: “protecting children against harmful social and cultural practices: our collective responsibility”, which was taken as the title of the programme.
These are certain traditional or customary practices in the region that work against children’s life and livelihood.
The roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders were highlighted, particularly by the children who were provided with an opportunity to express their views on harmful social and cultural practices.
The event was very colourful that it brought together children from various African countries and they performed musical, artistic and cultural shows.
“It was initiated and organized by Wings Education & Media, in which I am working as a Project Manager, with collaboration of the Department of Social Affairs in African Union Commission,” says humanist movement member Bereket Alemayehu.
On 16 June there was an innovative celebratory event with more music, drama, dance and festivities at the Ethiopian National Theatre.
The programme and the Concept Note for the commemoration can be found on the ACERWC website: www.acerwc.org
Further news items from that region submitted to pressenza by Bereket Alemayehu:
The 1st Ethiopian Wildlife Exhibition and Festival 28-30 June 2013
The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, Frankfurt Zoological Society and Wings Education and Media have jointly organized the 1st Ethiopian Wildlife Festival and Exhibition to educate the public on the need of conserving our precious wildlife. The theme for this year was “Conserving the Simien Mountains”, which is enlisted as in danger by UNESCO.
The Exhibition and Festival has been held at Addis Ababa Exhibition Center from 28-30 June 2013. The exhibition and festival was able to involve government bodies, International agencies and other stakeholders. The opening session has been done by guests of honor by senior Ethiopian Government officials and the European Union ambassador.
The opening event was so colorful with musical performance and launching of new SMNP guidebook and website.
http://www.simienmountains.org
World Environment Day celebrated in Addis Ababa- 5 June 2013
The World Environment Day was celebrated on June 5, 2013 in Addis Ababa with a parade from the heart of the city towards Ethio-Cuba Friendship Avenue accompanied by a March Band and environment activist groups. There were some concerns and slogans to be heard such us Caring for Nature for Food Security and Healthy Ecosystems for a Green Economy and Enhanced food Security while the parade marching. A tree planting ceremony and panel discussion were among the activities.
The World Environment Day celebration began in 1972 and has grown to become one of the main vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action.
http://www.norway.org.et/News_and_events/DevelopmentCooperation/environment/Environment-Prize-for-Norway/
