On June 16th, Saint Joseph Development Programmes (SJDP) joined the rest of the continent in commemorating African Child Day 2025, celebrated this year under the theme: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010.” The day served as an important reminder of the ongoing need to protect, promote, and invest in the rights and dignity of every child.

To mark the occasion, SJDP was honored to welcome Fr. Kizito Kiyimba SJ., the Provincial of the Eastern Africa Jesuits Province (AOR). His visit brought encouragement, reflection, and renewed energy to the mission of uplifting children and communities. Fr. Kizito spent the day engaging with SJDP staff, listening to their experiences, and exchanging ideas on how to strengthen program impact. These discussions focused on improving service delivery, promoting child protection, and ensuring that the rights of children are central to all planning and decision-making processes.

A key part of his visit was meeting directly with the children and young people who benefit from SJDP’s programs. He spoke to them with warmth and understanding, emphasizing the importance of education, empowerment, and resilience. His message to the children was clear: their dreams are valid, and their future matters.

This year’s theme placed focus on how far we have come in advancing children’s rights, and how much more needs to be done. Fr. Kizito’s visit was a powerful expression of solidarity. It reinforced the value of collaboration and community action in ensuring that no child is left behind.

As SJDP continues to provide care, education, and support to vulnerable children and families, African Child Day is a reminder that meaningful change happens when we place children at the center of our priorities, not only in words, but in planning and budgeting for real impact.

With renewed commitment, SJDP will continue walking alongside children, supporting them to live with dignity, hope, and opportunity, today and in the years to come.

By, Saint Joseph Development Programmes (SJDP),

Kangemi, Kenya.