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Elita Chikwati in VICTORIA FALLS
ZIMBABWE today hosts the regional commemorations of the World Children’s Day at Baobab Primary School here.
The event will be attended by SADC leaders and senior government officials from six countries namely Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.
About 7 500 children from local and regional schools are also attending.
The commemorations, running under the theme, “Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity”, will provide a high level platform for children to express their voices to promote the child rights agenda in their countries and at regional level.
The World Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 annually.
This year, the commemorations have been spread over three days, from Thursday until today, when they start with a march, followed by the official ceremony at Baobab Primary School.
More than 500 children are expected to visit the Rainforest.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, July Moyo said: “There will be a monumental lighting of the Flame of Hope on the ‘No Man’s Land’ on the Victoria Falls bridge.
“This will be officiated by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.”
Minister Moyo said yesterday was the day for the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and the children.
“Normally the World Children’s Day is one day but in our case, we had one day where the First Lady had the opportunity to have interactions with the children.
“The First Lady has many ways of interacting with children, she holds cultural events with the children,” he said.
The commemoration dates were pushed back to ensure regular classes and examination processes were not affected.
Since 2021, four countries; Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia have been jointly celebrating World Children’s Day.
However, realising that the challenges facing children are almost the same in the region, other countries such as Malawi, South Africa and Mozambique have been invited to participate.
This year’s commemorations mark a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s commitment to championing the rights and welfare of children, not only within its borders but across the SADC region and beyond.
The commemorations are also expected to stimulate dialogue between children and decision makers on commitments made at previous regional World Children’s Day celebrations.
Children participating and responsible stakeholders will be able to advocate for policies and actions that advance child rights in their countries and at regional level.
The day also promotes collaboration among children from different countries and sharing best practices on meaningful participation and in decision making.
Online Reporter