AFRO-NETS> Leadership and child development in Africa-F.W. de Klerk

[odutola a <chpss_abo@yahoo.com>]

Leadership and child development in Africa-F.W. de Klerk
--------------------------------------------------------


NIGERIA
Source: The Guardian, Thursday, December 7, 2000. p.19


On Nov. 30, 2000, Mr. F.W. de Klerk, former President
of South Africa delivered a thought-provoking lecture
in Lagos, Nigeria on "Leadership and child development
in Africa". This was on the auspices of the Osigwe
Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation.

In the lecture, Mr. De Klerk declared in his opening
statement that "the creation of the condition in which
children of Africa can develop is not just another
challenge for the leadership of our continent: it is
the central task and function and should take
precedence over any other". He went on to identify
four (4) challenges facing African leaders with
respect to child development as follows:
(i)     HIV/AIDS
(ii)    WARS
(iii)   EDUCATION AND
(iv)    POVERTY.
Mr. De Klerk concluded his lecture saying:
"The challenge to leadership (for child development in
Africa) is clear:
1.      Heal our children and shield them from the scourge
of AIDS.
2.      Protect our children from war and violence and let
them live and grow in peace.
3.      Teach our children. Impart to them the skills and
knowledge they will need to succeed in the globalised
economy. Teach them to cherish their cultural heritage
and identity.
4.      Free our children from the curse of poverty and let
them join their brothers and sisters throughout the
world in the global march for a better life."

In a continent where empowering child development is
not even on the national interest and health agenda of
most nations, Mr. De Klerk's challenge appears to be a
tall but most significant order.

The full text of this lecture is available from CHPSS
on request as an e-mail attachment in Word format.
(approximately. 47Kb)


A. Odutola
mailto:chpss_abo@yahoo.com

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