SA, Senegal catch them young in bid to highlight power of collective action

 

As the country prepares for the May 29 elections, efforts to engage and educate children on equality, freedom and human dignity continue with Children’s Museum, Play Africa, kicking off its second phase of ‘My Constitution’ programme on Saturday.

Under the theme, ‘My Constitution 2.0 – Empowering Young Voices’, the organisation seeks to include children in the conversation ahead of the hotly contested polls, and highlight the significance of democratic participation.

Other plays will be held on Freedom Day, 27 April; 25 May and the last segment will be on 29 June.

This is a bull a Senegalese school has taken by its horns.

SOS Dakar Primary School recently used the power of play to raise awareness on the importance of voting as Senegal heads to the polls on Sunday.

For the first time in that country’s history, none of the 19 candidates who are vying for the nation’s top job are a sitting president.

“If we don’t vote it means we won’t have a president and no one will be able to lead Senegal”, said Aïcha, one of the actors in a video clip published by BBC Africa.

“It is important for me to vote because voting allows you to express your choice,” Adrianna added.

“If you don’t vote it means we won’t have a president, and no one will be able to lead Senegal.”

These young minds didn’t stop there. They proceeded by holding their own elections, while at the same time dishing out some insightful advise for the next president of Senegal.

Anaïs urged Senegal’s future leader to address the high food prices and unemployment rate that are plaguing the country.

The cost of food in the country increased by 3.30% last month, compared to the previous year, further emphasizing the need for action.

Habib, another learner, expressed his hope for the future president to lead with empathy and commitment.

The school chose Anaïs to be the next president, while Senegal awaits the outcome of its elections which were preceded by bloodshed and pushback by the opposition after the incumbent leader, Macky Sall, tried bypassing the President’s two-term limit as espoused in Senegal’s constitution.

He was stopped on his tracks by the country’s Constitutional Council, which overruled his efforts. Written by Tshenolo Khaile