Online Reporter
Memory Chamisa
HARARE. – THE Government says it remains committed to including children in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
As preparations for the official opening of the 33rd Junior Parliament in Mt Hampden gather momentum, an alumni dinner was set for last night to proffer guidance to the incoming members of the Junior Parliament.
Giving an update of the official opening set for tomorrow, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire said since the establishment of the Junior Parliament in 1991, the gathering has become a strategic institution among the youth of Zimbabwe.
“The Government is committed to developing our young people into productive citizens and responsible leaders of tomorrow.
“The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training as well as other stakeholders have continuously enhanced programmes that enable them to reach their full potential . It is worth noting that this year’s 33rd Session of the Junior Parliament will see the ascending of the former parliamentarians to a Junior Senate which enables continuity.
“This has enriched the quality and scope of debates within the August House,” he said.
Minister Machakaire also said the Junior Parliament has not only served as a leadership development and advocacy platform, but also a vehicle through which representatives of young people from all provinces participate in the governance of Zimbabwe.
“These young men and women are the duty leaders of tomorrow and it is imperative that their grooming starts now to prepare them.
“We are excited to be working with the Junior President who was recently elected and is also expected to announce his cabinet.
“The Second Republic continues to roll out programmes based on digital and other ICT-related platforms. As a result, more children now have access to a wide range of educational material and information.”
President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the official opening tomorrow, with junior parliamentarians aged between 12 and 18 representing their peers in each of Zimbabwe’s ten provinces.
The Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe is a child-focused body that mirrors the structure of the senior parliament, with both a children’s Senate and a lower House of Assembly.
Established in 1991, the junior parliament aims to involve children in policy processes and provide them with a platform to advocate for child-friendly legislation and policies.
Each constituency in Zimbabwe has a child representative within the Junior Parliament, giving children a voice on their needs and rights. – ZBC.
