IT WAS FREEZING! BUT THEIR SPIRIT WAS ON FIRE

By Israel Hutchinson

• For the delegates attending the 2025 Africa Children’s Summit in Johannesburg, the summit was a journey of learning, laughter, and leadership – and coming to terms with the local weather.
• ⁠A child journalist from Kenya, 14-year-old Al’mina Ahmed, described the experience as “wonderful”.
• Akuindiik Maduot (16) from South Sudan laughed at the difference between the temperatures in her country and South Africa: “Most of the South African delegates were dressed like it wasn’t even cold. Meanwhile, I was freezing.”

For 14-year-old Al’mina Ahmed, a child journalist from Kenya’s Utoti News, the Africa Children’s Summit was more than just a gathering of bright young minds – it was a journey of learning, laughter, and leadership.

“Thank you, South Africa!” was her joyful message as she reflected on the three-day summit held at St John’s College in Johannesburg, where over 1 000 children from more than 20 African countries came together to discuss their rights, dreams, and challenges.
“The African Children’s Summit was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever attended,” said Ahmed. “This venue has been amazing, and being in South Africa made it all the more special.”

From the moment she landed – on a smooth overnight flight with no delays – to the moment the summit closed, Ahmed soaked up the experience. She was particularly captivated by a side event on artificial intelligence, which explored how the technology can be used to empower children and create meaningful change.

“It stood out for me – how we can use artificial intelligence (AI) for the right purposes that will change our lives,” she said with the confidence of a future tech leader.

As a young journalist, Ahmed didn’t shy away from giving her honest opinion about the experience. While praising the spirit and content of the summit, she offered a candid critique of some of the logistical hiccups.

“I think the one area the summit must work on is its organisation. From coming back from rest time to getting to the venue, and some of the games and timetables – it felt a bit disorganised,” she said. “But other than that, it was wonderful.”

Many children who came from warmer countries were surprised by how cool the weather was in South Africa.
Akuindiik Maduot (16), a delegate from South Sudan, laughed about the difference.

“What shocked me most is that most of the South African delegates were dressed like it wasn’t even cold!” she laughed. “Meanwhile, I was freezing. In my country, it can get up to 48 or even 50 degrees. Before I left, my father joked, ‘Don’t go out too much in South Africa, they might steal you because you’re tall and will stand out from the crowd. They’ll know you’re not from there!’”

She explained that her father was referring to the uniqueness of South Sudanese people, and indeed, her striking height, radiant skin, natural beauty, and articulate manner made her stand out effortlessly among the delegates.

Despite the chilly weather, the warmth of the summit’s spirit and the hospitality of the host country left a lasting impression on many delegates.
Ahmed’s reflections highlight not only the importance of children’s participation in shaping Africa’s future but also the power of cross-cultural exchange.
Her enthusiasm, honesty, and youthful curiosity are exactly what the summit hoped to ignite among young leaders from across the continent.