Source: Junior Parliament, Day of the African Child commemorations to be held on Wednesday – herald Mr Ranson Madzamba Sunday Mail Reporter THIS year’s Zimbabwe Junior Parliament session and commemoration of the Day of the African Child are set to be held at the new Parliament building on Wednesday. The two events are expected to […] The post Junior Parliament, Day of the African Child commemorations to be held on Wednesday appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation .
Source: Junior Parliament, Day of the African Child commemorations to be held on Wednesday** – herald**
Mr Ranson Madzamba
Sunday Mail Reporter
THIS year’s Zimbabwe Junior Parliament session and commemoration of the Day of the African Child are set to be held at the new Parliament building on Wednesday.
The two events are expected to bring together young people, policymakers, development partners, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training director of communication and advocacy Mr Ranson Madzamba said the Junior Parliament session remained a key platform for promoting meaningful child participation in governance and national decision-making processes.
Through the initiative, young people drawn from across Zimbabwe are given an opportunity to engage on issues affecting their lives, contribute to national discourse and develop leadership skills that prepare them to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“The Junior Parliament session remains a key platform for promoting meaningful child participation in governance and decision-making processes,” said Mr Madzamba.
He said the commemoration of the Day of the African Child also provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in advancing children’s rights and welfare while reaffirming the country’s commitment to addressing challenges that continue to affect young people.
Mr Madzamba said this year’s commemorations will celebrate achievements of Zimbabwe’s children while providing a platform for dialogue on issues relating to their development, protection, education, health and participation in national affairs.
He said the ministry was working closely with all relevant partners to ensure the events are inclusive, child-friendly and secure, while reflecting the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s young people.
Particular emphasis, he said, had been placed on ensuring the participation of children from diverse backgrounds, including children with disabilities and those from vulnerable communities.
“All the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the successful double hosting of the Junior Parliament session and the Day of the African Child commemorations on July 8 at the new Parliament building,” he said.
The annual events are expected to reinforce the Government’s commitment to promoting children’s rights, youth empowerment and inclusive participation, while providing a platform for young Zimbabweans to contribute to discussions on issues that shape their future.
Meanwhile, the Junior Parliament has elected Tinashe Mugodhi of St Mary’s High School in Harare as the country’s new Child President, ushering in a new leadership expected to champion children’s rights and amplify voices of young people in national development.
Mugodhi succeeds Lionel Mazarire, who served as the 33rd Child President after his election last year.
During his tenure, Mazarire used the platform to advocate for children’s rights, improved education, action against drug and substance abuse, and child marriages, and greater youth participation in governance.
Mugodhi will be deputised by Coline Mutepfa of St Augustine’s High School in Manicaland province and Kundi P. Chimbuya of Thornhill High School in Midlands province, who were elected as vice presidents.
Tarirana Prince Marley of Masvingo province was elected Speaker of the Junior Parliament.
The elections come as the Junior Parliament continues to serve as Zimbabwe’s premier platform for children’s participation in governance, allowing young representatives to debate issues affecting their peers and engage directly with policymakers.
The institution mirrors the country’s Parliament, with child legislators representing constituencies from across all provinces.
Established in 1991 following Zimbabwe’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Junior Parliament was created to ensure children have a structured platform to influence policies and advocate for legislation that promotes their welfare.
It has since become one of the country’s longest-running youth leadership programmes.
The Child President serves as the symbolic head of the Junior Parliament and represents millions of Zimbabwean children, presenting their concerns on issues ranging from education, health and child protection to climate change, mental health, digital safety and substance abuse.
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