The African Child

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