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Zimpapers Politics Hub
Richard Muponde
On Wednesday, President Mnangagwa officially opened the 32nd Junior Parliament in Mt Hampden as the country held belated commemorations for the Day of the African Child.
This day is observed annually across the continent on June 16.
It is an event that holds significant importance for the empowerment of young people and the future of Zimbabwe.
The event, held at the new parliament building in Mt Hampden, ran under the theme “Education for all children in Africa. The time is now”.
According to the Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC), which oversees this event, the concept was derived from the Day of the African Child to allow young people to articulate issues affecting them.
“The Day of the African Child, June 16, has its origins in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. On the 16th of June 1976, students from Soweto, a South African black township were demonstrating against the law that forced their education to be conducted in Afrikaans.
“As the protest grew, the South African police shot and killed several hundreds of young people,” explained the ZYC.
“In 1990, the then Organisation of African Unity declared June 16 to be the day for commemorating the massacre of those children while reflecting on their situation and realities vis-a-vis children’s rights.
“As a way to commemorate this day, the Government of Zimbabwe established the Children’s Parliament in 1991 to serve as a leadership development and advocacy arm on the rights and welfare of children and also to facilitate participation of youth in governance issues.”
The Junior Parliament has been a key means of ensuring that children have a voice in decisions that affect them, one of the basic rights guaranteed to young people in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
This right to participation is as imperative as the rights to education and to health, child rights advocates say. As such, the annual Junior Parliament has become a forum for taking stock of whether or not the country is living up to its obligations under the CRC; as well as the Africa Youth Charter, and the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The Junior Parliament plays a crucial role in empowering the youth of Zimbabwe by providing them with a platform to voice their opinions, engage in political discourse and contribute to the decision-making process. By participating in the Junior Parliament, young people are allowed to learn about governance, leadership and the legislative process, which can have a profound impact on their personal development and future aspirations.
The Junior Parliament serves as a training ground for future leaders, nurturing a sense of civic responsibility and encouraging active participation in the democratic process from a young age.
Through their involvement in the Junior Parliament, young Zimbabweans can develop a deeper understanding of the country’s political system and the role they can play in shaping its future.
The establishment of the Junior Parliament also reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
In his speech at the belated commemorations, President Mnangagwa commended junior parliamentarians for clearly articulating issues affecting children, promising to do more to resolve the challenges. He said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of junior MPs
The junior MPs talked about socio-economic issues, their welfare and the need for more resources in the health and education sectors. They also talked about discrimination against those with disabilities, as well as drug and substance abuse.
“The manner in which the junior Members of Parliament have presented the various issues is commendable,” President Mnangagwa said.
“As per the responses given, I want to assure you that my Government will give due attention to the concerns and ideas raised during this session.”
He said the Government was committed to developing young people to become productive citizens and responsible future leaders.
“The education transformation agenda also includes putting in place strong laws and regulations for inclusive education policies. Technical and vocational education is being strengthened to go hand in hand with the requirements of an education system of the 21st century,” he added.
“More than two million youths have the potential to be empowered with relevant skills through vocational training centres. These can in turn help grow, modernise and industrialise our economy.
“Many more young people must be given the opportunity to learn and acquire trades to improve their livelihoods. No one and no place must be left behind.”
The President implored more young people to enrol in the National Youth Service Zimbabwe Programme that he launched two months ago at the Nhakiwa Vocational Training Centre in Uzumba, Mashonaland East province.
“This will instil discipline; patriotism; the ethic of hard, honest work; as well as the spirit of Ubuntu/Hunhu, while encouraging volunteerism and service to the community and nation. Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” he said.
Furthermore, President Mnangagwa said it was sad that a notable number of young people, together with their families, have had drugs and substance abuse taking a toll on their lives.
The opening of the 32nd Junior Parliament in Zimbabwe underscored the country’s dedication to empowering youth and fostering a new generation of informed, engaged and proactive citizens.
By providing a platform for young voices to be heard, the Junior Parliament contributes to a more diverse and representative political landscape, ensuring that the concerns and perspectives of the youth are taken into account in the decision-making process.
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