Prof. Dr. Sheila Kalunga—Director of Judo in Schools Kenya (JISK), Safeguarding Coordinator for the Africa Judo Union (AJU), and Founder of Alpha New Beginnings on issued a passionate statement emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being, protection, and empowerment of children across the continent as Africa marked the Day of the African Child on June 16, 2025.
She reminded stakeholders that African children face pressing challenges, but also possess immense potential waiting to be nurtured. “This day reinforces our collective responsibility to protect, nurture, and empower Africa’s young generation,” she said.
Through her leadership of JISK, Prof. Sheila Kalunga has used sport particularly judo as a transformative tool to instill discipline, self-respect, and social responsibility in children. She noted that the program is not just about physical activity but about shaping mentally resilient and socially inclusive individuals. “Through JISK, we do more than teach sport. We instill discipline, resilience, and respect essential life values that support mental health and social inclusion,” she stated, highlighting the broader societal impact of her work.
This year’s theme, “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: progress since 2010,” provided a timely prompt for introspection and action. Prof. Kalunga urged African governments, institutions, and civil society to go beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real investments in child development. “It is a call to ensure that every African child is not only seen and heard but is also provided with the foundational support to reach their optimum level of function,” she emphasized.
In her continental role with the Africa Judo Union, Prof. Kalunga is actively working to build safe and inclusive spaces for children through sports. “We are advancing robust policies and practices that ensure judo spaces across Africa are secure and child-centered,” she said. She concluded her message by urging all who work with children to take this day as a renewed call to action. “Let today not only be a day of reflection but a renewed call to action—for all of us working with children, in sport and beyond.”
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