Political Reporter
Harare \u2013 Zimbabwe today joined the rest of Africa in commemorating the International Day of the African Child, with President Mnangagwa set to officially open the 33rd Junior Parliament session this Friday at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event, held under the African Union (AU) theme \u201cPlanning and budgeting for children\u2019s rights: Progress since 2010,\u201d will bring together young parliamentarians to advocate for child-friendly policies and engage directly with the President and his Cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honoring Sacrifices, Advancing Rights<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training highlighted the day\u2019s significance, noting its origins in the 1976 Soweto uprising, where hundreds of children were killed while protesting apartheid-era education policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cZimbabwe also remembers the sacrifices of young lives lost during the liberation struggle, including the Chimoio and Nyadzonia massacres,\u201d the ministry said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis day serves as a reminder of the bravery of young people in defending their rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Platform for Youth Voices<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brian Nyagwande, Director of the Zimbabwe Youth Council, confirmed that elections for junior parliamentarians had been completed, with selected members beginning a week-long training ahead of Friday\u2019s session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Junior Parliament is a crucial platform for children to voice their concerns directly to the Government,\u201d Nyagwande said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis year, we will also launch the Junior Parliament Alumni to mentor new members and develop a child protection policy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Progress Under the Second Republic<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since 2017, Zimbabwe has intensified efforts to protect children\u2019s rights through legislative reforms, including the Marriages Act (2022), which outlaws child marriage, and the Education Amendment Act (2020), ensuring free basic education and protecting pregnant girls from expulsion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UNICEF Zimbabwe Representative Ms. Etona Ekole commended the Government\u2019s commitment, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cZimbabwe\u2019s policy frameworks, such as the National Development Strategy 1, prioritize children\u2019s health, education, and social protection. Initiatives like the Child Budgeting Series demonstrate strong political will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Focus on Inclusion and Accountability<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Junior Parliament session will feature motions from young legislators on issues affecting children nationwide. Under the Second Republic, the platform has gained greater influence, with Government ministries now required to formally respond to youth proposals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Mnangagwa has consistently emphasized that \u201ca nation that ignores the voice of its children ignores its own future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday\u2019s session is expected to reinforce this principle, with discussions on education, healthcare, justice, and digital inclusion shaping Zimbabwe\u2019s agenda for young citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the country marks this year\u2019s commemorations, the focus remains on ensuring no child is left behind\u2014a vision aligned with the AU\u2019s Agenda 2040 for Children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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