POEM: African Child by Eku McGred

Today, 16th of June is the International Day of the African Child. We are commemorating this day by sharing the “African Child” poem by Eku McGred to inspire our children and young people.

The poem was written to foster a positive image of the African child and to help reconnect children of African ancestry to a positive image of their African heritage and identity.

African Child by Eku McGred

I am an African child
Born with a skin the colour of chocolate
Bright, brilliant and articulate
Strong and bold; I’m gifted
Talented enough to be the best
I am an African child
Often the target of pity
My future is not confined to charity
Give me the gift of a lifetime;
Give me a dream, a door of opportunity;
I will thrive
I am an African child

Do not hide my fault
show me my wrong
I am like any other;
Teach me to dream
And I will become
I am an African child

I am the son, daughter of the soil
Rich in texture and content
Full of potential for a better tomorrow
Teach me discipline, teach me character, teach me hard work
Teach me to think like the star within me
I am an African child

I can be extra-ordinary
call me William Kamkwamba the Inventor;
Give me a library with books
Give me a scrap yard and discarded electronics
Give me a broken bicycle;
Plus the freedom to be me
And I will build you a wind mill
I am an African child

We are the new generation
Not afraid to be us
Uniquely gifted, black and talented
Shining like the stars we are
We are the children of Africa
Making the best of us
Yes! I am an African child

Watch the “African Child” by Eku Mcgred performed by Mpumzi Kakaza

POEM: African Child by Eku McGred – WATCH VIDEO