Children’s Party kicks off Independence Day festivities

Children’s Party kicks off Independence Day festivities

Usually quiet and serene, Gokwe Nembudziya Growth Point is stirring with unusual but welcome energy.

For once, time seems to be moving faster in this rural area.

The area has started buzzing with excitement ahead of today’s Children’s Party to be hosted by President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa.

This year’s event is taking place at Nyamuroro High School, bringing together 3 050 child delegates from across Zimbabwe.

The children, selected by their respective provinces, have converged for the annual celebration, which traditionally precedes the country’s Independence Day commemorations.

The main festivities marking Zimbabwe’s 45 years of independence will be held at Mutora Open Grounds at Nembudziya Growth Point tomorrow.

This year’s theme is “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together towards Vision 2030,” emphasising unity, progress, and inclusive development through devolution.

Our crew is in Gokwe, Nembudziya, and they will take us through the Children’s Party as it unfolds

Rare opportunity for tomorrow’s future leaders

It is an electric atmosphere and a rare occasion for the minors who will have a first-hand interaction with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the First Lady at the party which is meant to inculcate values of the liberation struggle among children.

The interaction comes as the President has been preaching about the need for young people to safeguard themselves from child marriages as well as drug and substance abuse.

President Mnangagwa will address the children with expectations that he will touch on policies being implemented by the Government to guarantee the minors’ various rights.

President leads environmental conservation

President Mnangagwa has several commitments in Gokwe today, including leading a tree planting initiative.

The Head of State and Government is scheduled to lead top Government officials and school children in planting trees at Nyamuroro High School ahead of the Children’s Party that he is hosting in Gokwe.

Among the trees to be planted here is the Red Mahogany, botanically known as Khaya Anthotheca, or Mubarwa, Muwawa or Mururu in Shona.

This highlights Government efforts to promote reforestation and environmental conservation.

In addition to tree planting, the President will also commission several boreholes and launch community business units in Gokwe.

He is also set to unveil the Presidential Internet Scheme.

As part of the programme, 2 000 Starlink gadgets will be distributed to boost connectivity. Several laptops are also earmarked for distribution.

A celebration of freedom and youth empowerment

THE annual Children’s Party plays a vital role in recognising and empowering the youth, Child President Pious Nleya has said.

Nleya said the Children’s Party is more than just a festive gathering, adding that it symbolises the country’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and ensuring that children understand the value of freedom, unity, and national identity.

He said it provides a platform for children to express themselves, engage in cultural activities, and learn about the history and significance of independence in a fun and inclusive environment.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School in Gokwe, the Child President described the occasion as a major milestone in the country’s journey.

“Today is a very big occasion as Zimbabwe celebrates Independence Day tomorrow,” he said.

“This day means a lot to young people as it reminds us of where our country comes from. The event creates space for young voices and shows that the country is committed to empowering the youth.

“It also reminds us that we need to play an active role in safeguarding the future of our country and contributing towards nation-building.”

President, First Lady arrive for Children’s Party

President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived at Nyamuroro High School in Nembudziya, Gokwe North for the Children’s Party.

They were received by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Cabinet Ministers and service chiefs.

Presidential Internet Scheme launched

President Mnangagwa has launched the Presidential Internet Scheme, a transformative initiative aimed at delivering high-speed broadband connectivity to all 2 400 administrative wards across Zimbabwe.

 

As part of the programme, President Mnangagwa also handed over several Starlink gadgets and laptops that will be distributed to schools to boost connectivity.

The programme is being administered by the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Postal and Courier Services.

President Mnangagwa and First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa being welcomed by Nyamuroro High School students to the Trabablas Arboretum where they will plant trees.

President leads reforestation efforts

President Mnangagwa has led top Government officials and schoolchildren in planting 45 trees at Nyamuroro High School ahead of the Children’s Party that he is hosting today.

The 45 trees signifies the country’s years of self-rule,

President Mnangagwa planted the Red Mahogany, botanically known as Khaya Anthotheca or Mubarwa, Muwawa or Mururu in Shona.

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga also planted a tree.

This highlights Government efforts to promote reforestation and environmental conservation.

First Lady joins President Mnangagwa in tree planting

ENVIRONMENT patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has joined President Mnangagwa, top Government officials and schoolchildren in planting trees at Nyamuroro High School in Gokwe ahead of the Children’s Party that she is co-hosting with the President.

The First Lady planted the Red Mahogany or Muwawa tree, which is endemic in Manicaland Province and is the biggest tree in the SADC region.

The tree has acclimatised in all the regions due to its fast-growing attributes. It is one of the country’s commercial indigenous tree species.

Today’s event saw the establishment of a Trabablas Arboretum, which is a combination of indigenous tree species for educational and research purposes.

The First Lady is leading the domestication of indigenous trees in cooperation with community livelihoods, and this is one of the trees that she is promoting to reclaim forests and degraded areas.

Students at Nyamuroro High School reenacted President Mnangagwa’s experience, dramatising his incarceration in Khami prison cell No. 44 and a dark room cell.

Nyamuroro School Business Units launched

President Mnangagwa has launched school business units at Nyamuroro High School and Nyamuroro Primary School in Gokwe.

The business units comprise a garden, fishponds and a solar-powered borehole.

The is part of the village and school business units being established across the country under the Presidential Rural Development Programme, which seeks to radically improve rural livelihoods and transform rural communities into active economic participants.

Wild cheers as President meets children

Wild cheers erupted from thousands of children as President Mnangagwa stepped into the main venue of the Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School in Nembudziya, Gokwe.

Waving flags, hats, scarfs, placards and singing, the excited youngsters gave the President a rousing welcome.

Some jumped to their feet, clapping rhythmically as he made his way to the stage.

The atmosphere is electric, with beaming smiles and animated chatter filling the air.

President Mnangagwa responded with a warm wave and his trademark Presidential dance, visibly moved by the spirited reception.

Schoolchildren grateful for the digitalisation initiative – Minister Moyo

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Torerai Moyo has said thousands of children have gathered to draw inspiration from the President’s leadership and commitment to transforming the lives of children in Zimbabwe.

Dr Moyo said this while introducing the 3 050 child delegates from across the country who have gathered for the Children’s Party that is currently underway in Nembudziya.

He said the children are grateful to the President for introducing the digitalisation initiative and addressing the welfare in schools.

The Education Minister also revealed that the child delegates were selected based on their academic prowess, sporting prowess, and commitment to community development.

Students put up scintillating performances

Children from Bulawayo province perform at the Children’s Party. Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire pledged US$200 in appreciation of their good performance.

Children from Masvingo province perform at the Children’s Party. Ministers Machakaire and Matuke pledged US$200 each while Presidential Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara added US$600 in appreciation of their good performance.

Atmosphere gets electric as children show off talent

The atmosphere remains vibrant as the Children’s Party gets into full swing in Gokwe.

The celebration has been fuelled by colourful performances and proud displays of cultural heritage from across the country.

Each of the country’s 10 provinces is bringing something special to the stage, with children donning traditional attire and performing dances passed down through generations.

From dances and poems, the young performers are showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions that make each province unique.

The performances are blending the old with the new.

More than just entertainment, the event is serving as a powerful reminder of unity in diversity.

President gifts US$1 000, iPads to children

Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire has announced that President Mnangagwa has gifted US$1 000 to all ten provincial groups that performed at the Children’s Party.

Minister Machakaire also spoke against drug abuse among the youth.

President Mnangagwa also has presented iPads to some children who performed at the party following their brilliant performances.

Solarisation of schools critical for driving STEM – Minister Moyo

In his remarks before introducing the guest of honour at the Children’s Party, President Mnangagwa, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr Torerai Moyo said the solarisation of all schools is critical to drive STEM.

He said that the availability of power at all schools will enable connectivity in line with the country’s digitalisation drive under the National Development Strategy and Vision 2030.

He introduces President Mnangagwa to deliver his keynote address.

Zim makes strides in the attainment of SDG 4: President

Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his keynote address at the Children’s Party at Nyamuroro High School in Nembudziya, the President emphasised the importance of SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

“This goal is vital as it strives to ensure access to education for every child in Zimbabwe.

“Under our education system, boys and girls are being given equal access to education.”

He said Education 5.0 speaks to the economic needs of the 21st century.

“We now need students who can make and design products,” said President Mnangagwa.

“My Government will continue to equip you so that you face the future with confidence.”

He encouraged the students to be innovative and emphasised his mantra of “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”.

The President also spoke against the peddling of drugs and the abuse of social media platforms by children.

“Say no to drugs and say no to cyberbullying.”

Child President urges youths to take part in national development

Child President Pious Nleya has said the youths should play their part in building the country.

Speaking while giving the vote of thanks at the Children’s Party in Gokwe, Nleya challenged the youths to rise to the occasion and build the country.

“This country requires future leaders, soldiers and policemen, and those are the great people present here.”

He also spoke against the abuse of drugs by the youth.