Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will officially open the 34th Session of the Junior Parliament on July 8 at the Parliament of Zimbabwe building as Government moves to strengthen youth participation in governance and national development.
The announcement was made following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, where the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, presented a report on preparations for the annual event.
Minister Machakaire said the Junior Parliament remains a key platform for promoting and protecting the rights of children while nurturing future leaders through practical exposure to democratic processes.
“The official opening of the 34th Junior Parliament will be presided over by His Excellency President Mnangagwa on the 8th July 2026 at the Parliament of Zimbabwe,” he said.
This year’s session will run under the theme, “Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for every child in Africa,” which is derived from the commemorations of the Day of the African Child.
He said the Junior Parliament mirrors the structure of the national Parliament and seeks to equip young people with leadership skills, civic responsibility and democratic values while providing a platform for structured youth engagement in national affairs.
“More specifically, the Junior Parliament seeks to provide children with practical civic education on the operations of the three Arms of the State,” he said.
Junior Parliament elections were conducted in all constituencies on June 12 with rehearsals for the official opening now underway.
The minister said Government would continue strengthening and expanding the programme as a strategic vehicle for youth empowerment and participation in decision-making processes.
The Junior Parliament brings together child representatives from Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces to deliberate on issues affecting young people and formulate resolutions for consideration by Government.
Bongani Ndlovu