June 1 – International Children’s Day and Masupatsela (Pioneers)
International Children’s Day is celebrated annually on June 1st in many countries worldwide to honor youth, protect children’s rights, and advocate for their well-being and education. First established in 1925 during the “World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva”, it highlights global commitments to protecting children from exploitation, poverty, and violence.
The date traces back to 1925 when the Chinese Consul-General in San Francisco gathered orphaned children to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, coinciding with the Geneva child-welfare conference. This observance gained prominent traction on 1 June 1950, after being established by the Women’s International Democratic Federation in Moscow. It is widely observed in ex-Soviet and many Eastern European states. Celebrations on this day include nationwide events, student film festivals, family gatherings and specialised campaigns focused on child protection.
In the context of the national liberation struggle in South Africa, the concept of “Masupatsela a Walter Sisulu” needs to be revisited during this International Children’s Day. The Day directly relates to the concept of “Masupatsela”, the pioneer children movement of the Congress Alliance through the shared focus on child empowerment, rights advocacy and youth development. Both concepts prioritise nurturing the next generation. International Children’s Day
