PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says children’s dignity, safety and potential remain key priorities for the Second Republic.
He was speaking during the official opening of the 33rd session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe in Mt Hampden this Friday.
Addressing junior parliamentarians after witnessing their debate, President Mnangagwa spoke on the importance of this gathering, while also reflecting on the Soweto up-risings which are commemorated through the Day of the African Child.
“This annual gathering continues to be the hallmark of democratic expression, participation and inter-generational dialogue for the children and youth of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. This event is also an occasion for us to observe and commemorate the Day of the African Child, recognised throughout Africa on June 16. It has been 49 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. As we gather together with you, the youth of our country, we once again pay tribute to the young children of yesteryear, who bravely confronted the racist colonial and apartheid oppressive systems.”
Drawing attention to the strides made by the Second Republic towards bettering the lives of children, President Mnangagwa said more children now have access to education, while reiterating that their dignity, safety and potential are a priority for his government.
“An increased number of children now have access to the Basic Education Assistance Module. To date, over 1.5 million vulnerable children have access to quality education through this facility. With regards to food and nutrition security for our children, the National School Feeding Programme was scaled up, particularly in districts which are prone to droughts,” he said.
“These initiatives are resulting in improved school attendance and learner performance. The Child Protection, Disability and Youth Policies, is aiding in safeguarding and mainstreaming matters relating to disability and youth development, respectively. Under my administration, children’s dignity, safety, and potential are being promoted and protected. This principle is embedded across our national development policies.”
President Mnangagwa also said the young ones must keep abreast with the new technology.
“As the fourth industrial revolution continues to unfold, I expect that the capacitation and development of skill to harness opportunities availed by Artificial Intelligence, among our young people, will be prioritised and scaled up. Our young boys and girls must be well prepared for the jobs of the future. In light of this imperative, the need to transform our Vocational Training Centres into digital learning spaces and re-purpose underutilised facilities, such as post offices, into community innovation hubs, cannot be overemphasised. It is commendable that hundreds of centres across all provinces are being equipped to train youth in high-demand digital skills,” he said.
In the debate sessions, the junior parliamentarians brought up a number of issues pertaining to the education sectors, health as well as information communication technology.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged their contributions, while calling on them to reject drug abuse and be the voice of reason among their peers.
“As our Junior Parliamentarians, the concerns, insights and highlights you have shared with us in this august house, are most welcome. You have indeed demonstrated that you represent the hopes and aspirations of the many millions of children and young people in our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Under this democratic initiative, you are entrusted not only to speak but to lead,” the President said.
“I urge you to be champions of child protection, especially for the vulnerable among you. You must be the voices of peace, unity, and innovation. Reject peer pressure, drug and substance abuse, as well as violence. Shun all other social ills, as these undermine the prospects of a brighter and prosperous future.”
The official opening was preceded by elections to select new junior leaders last week, the Child President, His Excellency Lionel Mazarire taking charge of the events at the official opening ceremony.
The day also coincided with the belated commemorations of the Day of the African Child.
The child parliament is used to groom the junior leaders, shaping them in line with the county’s laws as they represent their aspirations and those of all children across Zimbabwe.
It is also a key platform through which children debate and highlight to government issues affecting them.
