Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWE will today join the rest of the African continent in commemorating the International Day of the African Child, ahead of the country’s own celebrations scheduled for Friday, where President Mnangagwa will officially open the 33rd Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe in Harare.
The Junior Parliament event will take place at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden.
The International Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union (AU).
The day was born from the brave uprising of schoolchildren in Soweto, South Africa, in 1976, who marched against inferior education under the Apartheid regime.
The commemorations are being held under the AU theme “Planning and budgeting for children’s rights: Progress since 2010”.
Zimbabwe has embraced the theme with a sense of urgency, aligning it with domestic efforts to ensure that no child is left behind.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training acting director for Communication and Advocacy Mr Ranson Madzamba confirmed that June 16 is an important day on the African calendar.
He highlighted that it is the day of the African Child, saying the day is befitting as it is a reminder of sacrifices young people make for their countries.
“On 16 June 1976 more than 700 children were massacred in Soweto, South Africa while protesting against racial discrimination and poor quality of education,” he stated.
Mr Madzamba said the theme seeks to reflect on the Government’s commitment to children’s rights through budget allocation and programme implementation.
“Well, it seeks to advocate and lobby for children and young people’s rights.
“It seeks to advocate for child friendly budgeting as well as to also enhance children and young people’s leadership skills,” he said.
According to Mr Madzamba, the official opening of the Junior Parliament and commemorations of the Day of the African Child will take place at the Parliament of Zimbabwe on Friday, June 20.
President Mnangagwa is expected to give his keynote address.
He said that preparations are now at an advanced stage and all is going on well.
“The official opening and first sitting of the 33rd Junior Parliament Session will see the young people share their experiences, lobby for alignment of laws and adoption of policies for children in the presence of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and his Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Government officials, civic society and children,” said Mr Madzamba.
“Zimbabwe lost more than 6 000 women and children in Chimoio at the Chindunduma educational base on November 23, 1977 and another 1 028 at the Nyadzonia massacre in August 1976, where they had assembled to participate in liberating the country from colonial rule.
“The Day of the African Child stands to commemorate these young people and the brave actions they took in defence of their rights.”
He said the celebrations were critical in allowing the nation to take stock of the progress made so far in investing in children’s rights.
“The 33rd Junior Parliament presents an opportunity for all stakeholders in adolescents and youth rights, including the Government, non-governmental and international entities, to reflect on investment for children in Zimbabwe.”
“Young people will present their priority issues to the Government from all constituencies of Zimbabwe.
“The session will also see the Junior Parliament actively involved in advocating for child-friendly policies, full implementation of programmes and supporting the Government in outreach programmes required to reach young people and children in their various constituencies.”
Zimbabwe Youth Council director Brian Nyagwande said elections for the upcoming parliamentarians had been conducted, with selected learners to start a week-long capacity-building training today.
“Zimbabwe uses the Day of the African Child to officially open the Junior Parliament, which is a platform used by the Government to engage and hear voices from children,” he said.
Mr Nyagwande said the Junior Parliament Alumni will also be launched on Friday.
