Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reiterated that his Government was committed to improving the lives of the young people in the country.

Speaking during the official opening of the 31st Junior Parliament session and commemoration of the day of the African Child, President Mnangagwa said that the young people were the future and the vanguard of the nation.

“My Government is committed to uplifting the lives of young people who are the future and backbone of our economy as well as vanguard of our nation. Today’s young people must prosper in the land that we fought hard for and won its independence as well as sovereignty,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President called upon members of the Child Parliament to familiarise themselves with the country’s Constitution and to know their rights and responsibilities.

“I now call upon Members of the present Child Parliament to familiarise themselves with our Constitution as well as the various statutes of our nation in relation to children’s rights and responsibilities. Studying these instruments will not only help you in the appreciation of what has been done so far, but it will also inform and invite suggestions on identified gaps that need improvement,” said the President.

According to President Mnangagwa, Government was developing youth institutions targeted at addressing the needs of young people.

“The recently acquired Zimbabwe Youth Council offices 5 will be fully equipped to meet your needs. With immediate effect, the Youth Council must decentralise in line with our devolution policy. This will enhance your ability to consolidate views that come from the grassroots, that way ensuring that no one and no place are left behind. Furthermore, all our young people will have enhanced access to Government programmes and benefit from them, regardless of their location. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa added that the use of digital technologies such as computers, mobile phones and the internet could help to increase children’s participation at the local, national and international levels. He added that awareness of, and access to, digital means for children to express their views should be promoted and supported.

The President took the opportunity to encourage young people to shun drugs and focus on their studies. He added that societal vices such as bullying and neglecting the ethos of hard honest work in pursuit of quick money should be frowned upon.

Meanwhile, Neville Mavu is the new Child President and would be deputised by Tanaka Mabhanga and Theophelous Beans.