Staff Reporter
Government is attending to the amendment of the Children’s Act that will see child marriages being outlawed.
Speaking during the official opening of the 30th Junior Parliament Session in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the amendment to the Children’s Act would seek to provide for the criminalisation of child marriages, employment of children and the promotion of equal opportunities among boys and girls.
“In this regard, we are speedily attending to the amendment of the Children’s Act with regards to outlawing child marriages and providing for a second chance to education facility for girls who prematurely leave school.
“The amendment further seeks to provide for the criminalisation of employment of children, facilitate early family intervention, family preservation programmes as well as the delivery of quality services for children, among others,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa added that the tabling of the Child Justice Bill was being accelerated with a view to establishing a friendly and effective justice system for those children in conflict and contact with the law. He added that the enactment of the National Youth Act as well as the National Youth Service Act to legislate on youth, empowerment, wealth creation, inclusive economic development and growth was high on the Government’s legislative agenda.
The President exhorted Government Ministries to continue promoting public awareness and engagement programmes that advance the interests of children. He added that this initiative should see the Government protecting the dignity, physical, psychological, integrity, development and social status of children.
President Mnangagwa reminded the junior parliamentarians and other children that they have the responsibility and duty to be patriotic, loyal, responsible and productive citizens. He urged the children to be proud Zimbabweans who volunteer to advance the country’s aspirations.
The President applauded the work of UNICEF and other development partners who were complimenting Government in the roll out of multi-faceted development programmes. He added that these various synergies and collaborations were assisting in improving the welfare, care and protection of orphans and vulnerable children.
Meanwhile, the President urged the nation to continue abiding by the Covid 19 health regulations. He encouraged those who were yet to be vaccinated to do so as a way of taking care of their health.
