Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
VICE PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has encouraged youth leaders attending the World Children’s Day commemorations in Botswana to engage with their peers to gain insights from diverse cultures.
The Vice President was addressing a delegation led by Child president Lionel Mazarire ahead of the commemorations, which will be held in Gaborone on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists after meeting Vice President Chiwenga at his offices in Harare yesterday, the young parliamentarians said the Government envisages a future of equitable education for children from both urban and rural areas.
Also present were Child Deputy Vice President Patrick Masakura, Child Speaker Michael Ndambani and Senate President Tinayeishe Manyere.
“The Vice President spoke of Government’s vision for all children, both urban and rural, to have access to the same quality of education. He promised that the Government will ensure every child has equal facilities and urged us to engage confidently with our peers,” said Mazarire.
Masakura said the Vice President encouraged them to maintain discipline in their discussions and lives, particularly regarding the importance of avoiding drugs and substance abuse, while also urging them to learn from their peers and engage with confidence.
He said Vice President Chiwenga stressed the necessity of discipline and taking education seriously, underscoring the need to embrace both learning and enjoyment through such experiences.
Manyere said they were committed to advocating for equitable education for both boys and girls. “As the Vice President stated, we must empower the girl child from a young age,” he said.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, who was also part of the meeting, said the discussions were fruitful. “Vice President Chiwenga reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to upholding children’s rights regardless of their location,” said Minister Moyo.
Zimbabwe will join Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa at this year’s World Children’s Day commemorations.
The regional celebrations provide a platform for children to express their views, engage in dialogue and influence policies that affect them.
Celebrated annually, World Children’s Day provides a regional collaborative platform, targeting to advance the well-being of children as well as ensure the effective implementation of programmes that protect and empower them.
