4 things to celebrate in February other than Valentine's Day

February is here with us, to take away our January blues and usher in love.

However, this 28-day calendar month is more than flowers, chocolates and commercialised expressions of love. It's also a time to reflect on some good causes.

Movements that try to bring awareness and discussions on various issues. Health, technology and our cultural diversity, to name a few. Here are four days in the month that do just that:

 

WORLD RADIO DAY

February 13th is World Radio Day. A day to celebrate the significance radio has had in shaping our lives. Currently, there are over 130 stations on our airwaves. With vernacular stations making up the majority. 

Even with the rise of the internet and streaming services, the radio growth trajectory hasn't slowed down. Radio continues to be the preferred medium for spreading information, educating, entertaining and opening up channels of dialogue through messages of peace and unity in volatile times.

Due to its reach and influence, radio remains a significant part in spreading information to the community.

This year’s theme is “Dialogue, Tolerance, and Peace”.

 

WORLD CANCER DAY

October is cancer awareness month. However, on February 4th we acknowledge World Cancer Day. 

Now, more than any other time in history, cancer awareness needs to be a global health priority. A report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) released last year estimated that Kenya recorded 47, 000 new cancer cases. With up to 90 people losing the battle daily. Unfortunately, these numbers keep growing each year.

Poor health from lifestyle choices plus late diagnosis are the main causes of the rise of this disease.

Awareness, screening and early detection, education on healthy lifestyle practices can help prevent cancer from taking more lives. Affordable universal health care can also help those in low income households to access health care.

A 3-year campaign will be launched this year under the theme, “I Am and I Will”. It is a collective push to make sure no one is left behind.

 

SAFER INTERNET DAY 

Information sharing online is no longer restricted but open to anyone with a smartphone and data bundles. However, the burden of this convenience is that there are no filters and control over the information online. 

Cyberbullying and fake news in social networking sites are two of the worst outcomes from having an open internet. Other emerging online issues of concern are privacy, social media addiction, and dependency. There needs to be greater awareness to promote digital literacy for safer and more responsible use of online and mobile technology. 

This year’s celebration organised by 'Watoto Watch Network’ will be on the 5th of February. The campaign slogan is, "Together for a better internet”. 

 

INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY 

For those who love speaking their mother-tongue, there is a day dedicated to celebrating it. 

International Mother Language Day is recognised on February 21st by UNESCO. It is a day of remembrance that our linguistic diversity is essential for sustainable development. 

This day also recognises languages facing the threat of extinction. In Kenya, there are 5 known languages that are facing this risk. Partly this is due to assimilation to other larger tribes. By adopting the culture and lifestyle of the other tribes they discard their own including the language. 

Our linguistic diversity helps to communicate the vastness of our traditions and helps us connect with our culture. The loss of language will result in the disappearance of this cultural and intellectual heritage.

This year’s theme is, “Indigenous languages matter for development, peacebuilding, and reconciliation”.

So, if love is not what you seek this February there are 27 other days to find a cause to celebrate.