Zimbabwe celebrates the International Day of the African Child today alongside other African nations. President Mnangagwa will open the 33rd Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe on Friday at the new Parliament building. The special day honors brave schoolchildren from Soweto who protested against poor education under apartheid rule back during 1976. More than 700 children died when they marched for better schools and equal treatment. African countries remember their sacrifice every June 16 since 1991.
The government chose the theme Planning and Budgeting for Children's Rights to show progress since 2010. Young people will present their concerns about education and health to government leaders. Student representatives from across Zimbabwe won elections to serve as junior lawmakers for one week. These youth parliamentarians will discuss policies that affect children throughout the country. The program allows kids to speak directly with Cabinet ministers about problems they face.
Zimbabwe improved child protection laws under President Mnangagwa's leadership since 2017. The Marriages Act of 2022 stops forced marriages for anyone under 18 years old. Schools cannot expel pregnant girls anymore thanks to the Education Amendment Act of 2020. The government helps 1.5 million vulnerable children pay for school fees through the BEAM program. Free meals at primary schools help students stay healthy and focused on learning.
The government chose the theme Planning and Budgeting for Children's Rights to show progress since 2010. Young people will present their concerns about education and health to government leaders. Student representatives from across Zimbabwe won elections to serve as junior lawmakers for one week. These youth parliamentarians will discuss policies that affect children throughout the country. The program allows kids to speak directly with Cabinet ministers about problems they face.
Zimbabwe improved child protection laws under President Mnangagwa's leadership since 2017. The Marriages Act of 2022 stops forced marriages for anyone under 18 years old. Schools cannot expel pregnant girls anymore thanks to the Education Amendment Act of 2020. The government helps 1.5 million vulnerable children pay for school fees through the BEAM program. Free meals at primary schools help students stay healthy and focused on learning.
