Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
A LEARNER at St Augustine’s High School has been elected Child Vice President of Zimbabwe at the recently concluded Junior Parliament, assuming one of the country’s highest youth representative positions.
The Right Honourable Child Vice President, Coline Mutepfa will serve for the next year alongside members of the Child Presidium, Child Ministers and Child Parliamentarians.
Honourable Dilany Gwitira, of Sakubva 2 High School, was also elected Child Minister of Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
Child Vice President Mutepfa, accompanied by some Junior Parliamentarians, today paid a courtesy call on Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, who pledged to work closely with the newly elected child representatives.
“We are proud as Manicaland Province that we managed to secure the position of the Junior Vice President. We are proud of our students who are always putting province on the map. The offices that you have taken over are of high importance and they demand integrity, diligence and dedication. Let me assure that my office is open for you. All that you may want to achieve through it, I am there for you. We assure you of our support and cooperation,” said Minister Mugadza.
Vice President Mutepfa said she was deeply honoured to be chosen for the coveted position ahead of other potential candidates and pledged to work tirelessly to advance the interests of young people.
“Being the Child Vice President is something that I did not expected but I had my teachers who kept on telling me that I had to believe in myself. I am proud that Junior Members of Parliament from my province stood with me and contributed to my rise. Their support gave me strength to speak eloquently and be able to address delegates confidently. I would like to thank my school, which supported me financially, and emotionally to achieve this.
“I am a girl child which is a testament the government is walking the talk of female empowerment. The girl child is being protected and well taken for including being given opportunities to lead,” she said.
The welcome ceremony was also attended by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, the Right Reverend Eric Ruwona, officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the St Augustine’s High School officials.
Bongani Ndlovu