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The nation continues to aspire to international ideals of involving children in important roles as citizens, family members, faith communities members, schools pupils, and individuals making up society. A key component to achieving this vision is by empowering boys and girls to be active participants in all the processes that contribute to their well-being through meaningful child participation at the local, national and international level. This year, Samuel Nyarenda (15) a Form Three student at Mazowe Boys’ High School was inaugurated the Junior President for the 2015- 2016 period. Our Cool Lifestyle Correspondent, Mathew Masinge (MM) visited Samuel (SM) at home in Marlborough, Harare to help us get to know the Child President on a personal level.
MM: Can you begin by sharing a brief about yourself ?
SM: Well let me say I am a 15-year-old boy who grew up in a Christian family, the last born, with three sisters. I went to Marlborough Primary School and am now doing my Ordinary Level at Mazowe Boys’ High School.
MM: Now you are the sitting Child President, can you tell us how that makes you feel ?
SM: That is one feeling I will fail to describe since it is just a great honour to be where I am today. But all the same I feel responsible and somehow special.
MM: And how do you describe your few weeks in the office so far and what can you promise every child who is believing in you right now ?
SM: I have had interesting days so far and most being challenges but I must commend the team I am working with, we have faced them head on. As for my promise, all I can assure every child is that expect the best from the Junior Parliament.
MM: What is the one thing you are going to be remembered for achieving during your term?
SM: I am going to make sure that every child is educated about their rights and afford them a safe environment to grow up in. So I guess I will be known as the child rights ambassador.
MM: Do you have a role model ?
SM: My dad has been my inspiration, he made me who I am today. He teaches me almost everything from prayer to life skills and I guess with that I am the boy you know today.
MM: Now that you occupy the august and presumably busy office of the Child President, how are you finding time for your school work ?
SM: I think from the start I said I was a simple boy, so I take that one has to learn how to prioritise his or her life by dividing work, pleasure and other duties separately. I have time allocations for my office and school work so I never mix the two.
MM: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
SM: I am a sports all-rounder. I like playing volleyball, cricket and handball and do a little bit of some music but nothing to go brag about. (Laughs)
MM: Any plans for the holiday ?
SM: A lot is going to be happening this holiday and top on my list are children’s issues that will see us having a number of marches in and around the country.
MM: Your last words.
SM: Nothing is impossible if you put your mind and heart to it. If you are caught up in a situation and it requires you to jump, just jump. You never know; you might as well end up flying.
Online Reporter