Online Reporter
Farai Dauramanzi
Radar Editor
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Torerayi Moyo has said 3 050 child delegates from across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces are attending the 46th Children’s Party that is being hosted by President Mnangagwa and the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in Maphisa, Matabeleland South Province today.
“It is an honour and a privilege to introduce the 3 050 child delegates drawn from across all ten provinces to you, Your Excellency,” Prof Moyo said during his introductory remarks.
He said the selection of Mahetshe Primary School as the venue underscores the Government’s commitment to the devolution and decentralisation agenda, ensuring that the fruits of Independence reach every corner of the nation, leaving no one and no place behind.
The Minister noted that the delegates were selected through a rigorous process that prioritises academic merit, leadership potential, and geographical diversity.
“They are the primary beneficiaries of the Heritage-Based Education, which emphasises technological innovation and heritage-based learning to solve local challenges,” he said.
“By bringing these children to Matobo, a region rich with the echoes of our ancestors and the resilience of our people, we are anchoring their identity in the soil of their forefathers.
“This gathering is a celebration of our national unity as defined by the Constitution, where the diversity of our indigenous languages and cultures forms a single, unbreakable Zimbabwean fabric.”
Prof Moyo said the children had come not only to celebrate the Children’s Party and Independence, but also to draw inspiration from the President’s visionary leadership and deep commitment to the welfare and development of every child in Zimbabwe.
“Your own life is an inspiration to all of them and has great lessons that should stir and motivate them to continue to strive for the best in their own lives,” he told the President.
Giving a breakdown of the delegates, the Minister said: “Before you, Your Excellency, are 500 child delegates from the 10 provinces, comprising 250 boys and 250 girls, with each of the provinces bringing in 50 delegates. This includes His Excellency, the Child President, representatives of the Junior Parliament, and Junior Councillors.”
He added that Matabeleland South, as the host province, brought in 2 000 child delegates drawn from its seven districts.
“Amongst them are 500 other child delegates who will showcase mass displays tomorrow during the main Independence anniversary celebrations.
“Fifty pupils make up the choir that sang the national anthem and recited the national school pledge, all drawn from Matabeleland South Province,” Prof Moyo said.
“They are drawn from every corner of Zimbabwe, from the vibrant cities of Harare and Bulawayo, the fertile highlands of Manicaland, the mineral-rich landscapes of Mashonaland, and the vast plains of Masvingo and Matabeleland.”
“The children are a living embodiment of our national hopes and aspirations, confident, determined, and ready to learn, to lead, and to safeguard the sovereignty and future of our great motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
Delegates from each province offered their war cries as they introduced themselves.
The Children’s Party precedes the main Independence anniversary celebrations set for Saturday.
