I am an African Child

Written & presented by:
Martha Nangolo
(Grade 11, Okahandja Secondary School)

Born with a skin the color 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 daughter of the soil
Rich in texture and content
Full of potential for a better tomorrow
Teach me discipline, teach me character, and 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 Nangolo Martha 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 windmill
I am an African child

We are the new generation
Not afraid to be us
Uniquely gifted, black and talented
Shinning like the stars we are

We are the children of Africa
Making the best of us
Yes!
I am an African child

(Presented at a Day of the African Child Ceremony at Okahandja Secondary School, Okahandja, Namibia on the 16th June 2012).