Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open the 34th Session of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
The event will run under the theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa”.
The Junior Parliament provides a platform for children to debate issues affecting their lives, engage policymakers and contribute ideas on programmes and policies that impact young people.
It brings together junior parliamentarians representing all the country’s 210 constituencies.
Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri, some Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials have already arrived.
Junior army mounts guard of honour
Dzivarasekwa Barracks Primary School has mounted the Guard of Honour as part of the proceedings.
Child President, Tinashe Mugodhi of St Mary’s School in Harare, is expected to inspect the Guard of Honour.
President Mnangagwa is expected to arrive shortly.
Scenes at the Parliament Building
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden for the official opening of the Junior Parliament.
The President has gone into briefing and is expected to lead proceedings shortly.
It’s a colorful ceremony defined by military regalia, national colour’s and a bright sunny day.
What is Zimbabwe’s Junior Parliament?
As President Mnangagwa officially opens the 34th Session of the Junior Parliament today, attention has once again turned to one of Zimbabwe’s longest-running child participation platforms, which gives young people an opportunity to engage in governance and advocate for issues affecting children.
The Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe, also known as the Child Parliament, is a national platform established to promote children’s participation in decision-making and governance.
It mirrors the country’s parliamentary system, with child representatives elected from constituencies across the country’s provinces to debate issues affecting children and present recommendations to Government and policymakers.
The initiative provides children with a forum to speak on matters such as education, health, child protection, climate change, disability inclusion and children’s rights.
It also nurtures leadership, public speaking and civic engagement skills among participants.
Each annual session elects a Child President, Child Deputy Presidents, Child Ministers and Junior Parliamentarians who assume roles similar to those in the national Government and Parliament.
During official sittings, the young legislators debate motions, adopt resolutions and engage Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament on issues affecting Zimbabwe’s children.
The official opening of the Junior Parliament is traditionally presided over by the President of Zimbabwe, underscoring Government’s recognition of children’s voices in national development.
According to UNICEF, the Child Parliament provides an inclusive platform for children to advocate for child-friendly legislation and policies while strengthening meaningful participation in governance.
Parliament of Zimbabwe outreach programmes also describe it as an important avenue for educating young people on the legislative process and encouraging active citizenship from an early age.
