In this June 2026 edition of AJANews, the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) joins the continent in commemorating the International Day of the African Child, observed annually on 16 June. This year’s theme was “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for Every Child in Africa.” In a special way, this year marks 50 years since the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976, when students courageously stood up against injustice, and 35 years since the African Union dedicated this day to celebrating the African Child and to promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of children across the continent. While significant progress has been made, millions of African children continue to face barriers to essential services, a reminder that their rights and dignity must remain a shared priority.

Across Africa, AJAN Field Centres continue to support children and young people through initiatives that promote health, holistic education through the AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for the Youth (AHAPPY), environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, psychosocial support, and sustainable livelihoods through the Building Resilience among Women and Girls in Africa (BRWGA) and Jesuit Youth Social Entrepreneurship Action (JYSEA) programmes. These initiatives are grounded in the conviction that Africa’s greatest resource is its young people, whose potential can only flourish when their fundamental needs are met. Access to clean water, safe sanitation, and proper hygiene provides the essential foundation for children and young people to stay healthy, attend school, develop their talents, and seize opportunities with dignity and confidence.

In this month’s edition, read AJAN’s Day of the African Child Statement, which reflects on the importance of ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for every child in Africa. We also feature Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) in Burundi, where, on 2 June 2026, a delegation from the French Embassy, led by Mr Vincent Curis, visited projects supporting the sustainable recovery of income-generating activities for 73 women’s groups in Buhonga, Bujumbura Province. These include pig and goat farming initiatives that are strengthening livelihoods and community resilience. In addition, as the world marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June, SYM reaffirmed its commitment to a humane, preventive, and inclusive approach to addressing drug use through awareness, accompaniment, and community engagement.

From Rwanda, we spotlight the inspiring journey of Umutesi Celine, a 28-year-old entrepreneur supported by the Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC). As founder of Cado House of Art, she transforms textile waste into beautiful works of art, creating employment opportunities and advancing environmental sustainability. Her story is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and transformative potential of young African entrepreneurs when given the opportunity to thrive.

As you explore this edition, we invite you to reflect on the stories of hope, resilience, and transformation unfolding across the AJAN network. Together, they remind us that investing in children and young people through health, education, sustainable livelihoods, and access to essential services, including WASH, is an investment in Africa’s future. We thank our partners, collaborators, and readers for accompanying us on this mission, and we remain committed to walking alongside communities to build an African continent where every child and young person can live with dignity, realise their full potential, and become agents of lasting change.

By, Mr. Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.