Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has joined the rest of the continent in commemorating the Day of the African Child, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the rights and development of African children, particularly through education.
Marked annually on 16 June, the Day of the African Child honours the heroic 1976 march of Soweto schoolchildren, who bravely stood against apartheid-era injustices and demanded equal access to education. This year’s commemorations run under the theme: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010.”
In a statement, ZITF Company Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, said the theme provides a timely reminder for stakeholders to take stock of real, tangible investments being made towards creating a just and empowering future for the continent’s children.
“This year’s theme, ‘Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010,’ calls on all of us to reflect on the tangible investments we are making to secure a brighter, more equitable future for our children,” said Dr Ndebele.
“At the ZITF Company, we believe that meaningful progress in children’s rights—especially the right to education—requires more than policy declarations. It demands intentional planning, inclusive budgeting, and platforms that translate vision into action.”
Dr Ndebele noted that the ZITF Company is using this year’s commemorations to spotlight its upcoming flagship education showcase, Scholastica Expo 2025, which will run under the theme “Empowering Future Generations Through Heritage-Based Education and Innovation.”
He noted that the expo theme aligns powerfully with the ideals behind the Day of the African Child.
The expo is scheduled to run from 30 July to 1 August 2025 at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo.
“It recognises that true empowerment begins with education that is rooted in our identity, values, and history, while also embracing the tools and technologies that will shape tomorrow,” said Dr Ndebele.
“By blending heritage and innovation, we can, through Scholastica Expo, stimulate the creation of learning environments that are not only relevant and inclusive, but also transformative.”
“Scholastica Expo 2025 will provide a space for these voices to be heard and for their ideas to shape the future of education in Zimbabwe and across Africa,” he said.
“Let us therefore use today to recommit ourselves to building an Africa where every child’s right to quality, relevant, and empowering education is not just protected—but prioritised.
“Let us plan with purpose, budget with integrity, and act with urgency. On behalf of the ZITF Company, I extend our deepest respect and solidarity to all children across the continent. May this Day of the African Child inspire us all to honour the past, invest in the present, and build a future where every child can thrive.”
