malvernmugadzikwa
AFRICA’S population is young.
An estimated 40 percent of its population is understood to be under the age of 15 years.
Similarly, the percentage of those who are under 15 is more or less the same in Zimbabwe. This means youths in general and children in particular, are integral to the social, political and economic fabric of our countries. They are likely to determine our present and future.
So, we necessarily need to nurture them as they are the major constituent elements of the future that we imagine.
It also means we need to engage and talk to them, rather than talk about them.
Yesterday provided a platform for intimate engagement between children and their leaders from the region, as more than 7 000 children from seven SADC nations converged on Baobab Primary School for the Regional World Children’s Day 2024.
The commemorations, jointly organised by the Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), ran under the theme “Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity”.
This clearly underscores the critical need to empower the next generation with knowledge and vocational skills, ensuring they possess the tools necessary to drive sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.
It, however, goes beyond merely providing skills and education, but relevant skills that help to come up with solutions for our communities.
It also means offering education that is purposed to meet the needs of our own circumstances. It is a point that was emphasised by President Mnangagwa during his address at yesterday’s commemorations.
“On its part, Zimbabwe remains committed to enhancing the rights of children. Specifically, with regards to education, all children have a right to be in school despite their location, race, parental status, disability and gender, among others,” he said.
“We have transitioned to Education 5.0, which nurtures creativity, critical thinking and entrepreneurship, anchored by science, technology and innovation.”
And, notwithstanding the economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, the country has made significant strides in promoting and protecting children’s rights over the past few decades.
The country has come up with forward-thinking policies and initiatives that emphasise the welfare and protection of its youngest population.
These include comprehensive education reforms, improved healthcare access and community support programmes designed to foster a nurturing environment.
For example, Zimbabwe has committed to various international agreements, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
By integrating these conventions into its domestic legislation, a robust framework for safeguarding children’s rights has been established and results are evident.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which came into effect in 2013, also clearly recognises the rights of children, guaranteeing their access to education and healthcare, and safeguarding against abuse and neglect.
This constitutional recognition has fostered increased accountability and empowered numerous stakeholders to champion children’s rights.
Furthermore, the Government has implemented several initiatives targeting vulnerable groups, including orphans and children from low-income families. The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), which provides financial support for educational needs, represents a significant step towards achieving equitable access to quality education.
The Government, with support from development partners like UNICEF, has also taken significant steps to reduce child mortality rates and improve maternal health.
Vaccination programmes have been expanded countrywide, leading to higher immunisation rates against preventable diseases.
Programmes aimed at addressing malnutrition and promoting better nutritional practices among children, especially this year when the country was facing the El Niño- induced drought, have been implemented in various communities, resulting in marked improvements in children’s health and wellbeing.
Zimbabwe has also established various mechanisms aimed at protecting children from abuse, exploitation and neglect.
This saw the creation of child protection units within the police, training of social workers and establishment of community child protection committees.
These initiatives work to raise awareness on children’s rights and provide safe environments for the young.
Moreover, the Marriage Act, which sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18, is a landmark achievement in the fight against child marriages, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that children are protected and afforded their rights.
So, under very difficult circumstances, Zimbabwe has been punching above its weight. More, however, stills need to be done, and is being done.
As highlighted by the President yesterday, the scourge of drug and substance abuse needs to be urgently confronted head-on, lest it undermines “the peace, security and sovereignty of our countries”.
Cross-border cooperation by governments and security agents, therefore, can potentially help eliminate drug trafficking.
Critically, we do not have to prescribe solutions on behalf of the children, but we need to lend them an ear so that we jointly develop solutions to the challenges they face today. They know their challenges better.
And the World Children’s Day, celebrated each year on November 20, provides the perfect platform for that.
The number of children from the region who attended last weekend’s event provides an assurance that the future of our region and countries is indeed in safe hands.
Online Reporter