malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
REGIONAL LEADERS have committed to heed calls made by children to improve their welfare during yesterday’s Regional World Children’s Day commemorations.
Leaders and representatives from the SADC region converged on Victoria Falls for the event. Botswana President Duma Boko said he understood the pleas from the children’s representatives.
“I must state here and now, I agree entirely with everything that you have said. I make the solemn pledge and commitment to you today that your demands, your aspirations shall be mine; mine to embrace, mine to carry out together with you,” he said.
“I pledge to you today that we will intensify all efforts to meet and satisfy the demands, the expectations that you have placed before us today and I hope that in doing so, you will be there with us.”
Namibia Deputy Prime Minister John Mutorwa said his country is in the process of addressing some of the key issues that were raised.
“Namibia has taken specific steps to promote the welfare of children. We have prioritised inclusive and quality education,” he said.
Malawi’s Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Mrs Jean Muonawuza Sendeza said her government had put more effort into ensuring equality and inclusive education.
“Education is an important catalyst for national development.
“We are greatly investing in our childhood development and education, basic and secondary school education.
“Together, we realise that ensuring inclusive, relevant, quality education in Malawi is essential for the empowerment of every child and the sustainable development of our nation,” she said.
Zambia’s representative Mr Jack Mwiimbu said:
“We want to see an Africa which is better than today. We must collectively redesign our formula for our children and the care they need.
“We dream of abilities better than ours. Innovations that will be excellent to meet the dynamics of the 21st century and beyond.”
The UN Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon, said through the combined efforts of governments and partners, children had been at the forefront of the event, shaping a Call to Action − a summary of the children’s issues – to be presented to the Heads of State and Government.
“It is imperative to hold ourselves accountable to these young voices, ensuring alignment with international and regional frameworks, such as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
“Education is a cornerstone for societal transformation. It fosters peace, social justice, equity, and inclusivity,” said Mr Kallon.
“The theme, ‘Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity’, resonates powerfully with ongoing global initiatives, including the sustainable development goals and the African Union’s Year of Education.
“Education equips children with the necessary tools to impact their communities positively, contributing to their development and prosperity.”
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